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Equine veterinary journal2011; 43(3); 250-258; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00357.x

Facing the threat of equine influenza.

Abstract: Despite the availability of vaccines, equine influenza virus (EIV) continues to pose a threat to the racing industry. The virus spreads rapidly in unprotected populations and large scale outbreaks, such as those in South Africa in 2003 and Australia in 2007, can cost billions of pounds. Like other influenza viruses, EIV undergoes antigenic variation, enabling it to evade antibodies generated against previous infection or vaccination. The UK has an active surveillance programme to monitor antigenic drift and participates in an international collaboration with other countries in Europe, Japan and the USA to select suitable vaccine strains. Selection is primarily based upon characterisation of the viral haemagglutinin (HA), the surface protein that induces a protective antibody response; this protein is an important component of commercial vaccines. In recent years vaccine technology has improved and diagnostic methods have become increasingly sensitive, both play a crucial part in facilitating the international movement of horses. Mathematical modelling techniques have been applied to study the risk factors involved in outbreaks and provide valuable information about the impact of vaccination. Other factors, such as pathogenicity, are poorly understood for EIV yet may play an important role in the spread of a particular virus. They may also affect the ability of the virus to cross the species barrier, as seen with the transfer to dogs in the USA. Severity of infection is likely to be influenced by more than one gene, but differences in the NS1 protein are believed to influence the cytokine response in the horse and have been manipulated to produce potential vaccine strains.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2011-04-16 PubMed ID: 21492200DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00357.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study discusses the continuous threat posed by the Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) to the racing industry and the efforts to curb it such as improved vaccine technology, diagnostic methods, surveillance programs, international collaborations, and mathematic modelling techniques. Despite these measures, complete understanding of EIV’s pathogenicity and factors affecting its species transferability remain undefined.

Continued Threat from EIV

  • The Equine Influenza Virus (EIV) is an enduring menace to the horse racing industry, causing widespread outbreaks and substantial economic loss.
  • Despite the accessibility of vaccines, the virus constantly evolves thus allowing it to bypass the antibodies developed against previous infection or vaccination – a process known as antigenic variation.

Vaccine Surveillance and Selection

  • The UK, along with multiple other nations, has proactive surveillance programs in place to monitor EIV’s antigenic drift.
  • The organizations work together to decide on the most effective vaccine strains to counteract the evolving virus.
  • The main factor for strain selection is the characterization of viral haemagglutinin (HA), the surface protein that incites a protective antibody response against the virus and forms a significant component of commercial vaccines.

Advancements in Vaccine Technology and Diagnostics

  • Vaccine technology has notably improved over the years, allowing for more effective prevention measures against EIV.
  • Diagnostic methodologies have become substantially more accurate and sensitive, aiding in the global movement of horses.

Use of Mathematical Modelling and Understanding of Pathogenicity

  • Mathematical modelling techniques help in identifying risk factors involved in outbreaks and gauge the impact of vaccination, providing vital data for disease management.
  • Yet, comprehension of EIV’s pathogenicity remains limited, and it is believed to play a significant role in virus spread and transmission across different species.

Specie Transferability and Severity of Infection

  • The study delves into the ability of EIV to jump between species, an instance of which was observed with its transfer to dogs in the USA.
  • The severity of EIV infection is not determined by a single gene; for instance, differences in the NS1 protein are thought to affect the horse’s cytokine response.
  • This aspect has been under investigation for the development of potential vaccine strains.

Cite This Article

APA
Elton D, Bryant N. (2011). Facing the threat of equine influenza. Equine Vet J, 43(3), 250-258. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00357.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 43
Issue: 3
Pages: 250-258

Researcher Affiliations

Elton, D
  • Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. debra.elton@aht.org.uk
Bryant, N

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
    • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
    • Horse Diseases / virology
    • Horses
    • Influenza A virus / classification
    • Influenza A virus / immunology
    • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
    • Influenza Vaccines / immunology
    • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
    • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
    • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary

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