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Veterinary research communications2026; 50(5); 401; doi: 10.1007/s11259-026-11355-5

First serological evidence of circulation of equine rhinitis A virus and molecular detection of equine rhinitis B virus in horses in North Africa.

Abstract: Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV) are major respiratory pathogens of horses with a global distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of ERAV antibodies, and to investigate a wide range of equine viruses (EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4, ERAV and ERBV). A total of 298 serum samples were collected between May 2022 and October 2023, from 11 provinces. Serological analysis for the presence of ERAV was performed using the complement fixation test (CFT). Our results revealed that 16.8% (50/298) samples tested positive for antibodies to ERAV. In parallel, 23 nasal swabs (NS) collected during this period were analyzed by RT-PCR for the detection of ERAV and ERBV. In addition, 74 different sample materials (50 NS, 21 fecal samples, and 3 urine samples), were taken from horses presenting with cough and mucopurulent nasal discharge, between November 2023 and June 2025. The prevalence of equine respiratory virus infections was examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One, or more, of five equine respiratory viruses were detected in the nasal swabs of 3 of 72 horses (4.2%) and the detection rate of equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) and ERBV were 4.2% and 2.8%, respectively. Unfortunately, viruses could not be sequenced due to low viral load i.e. they had high Cycle Threshold (Ct) values. Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), equine influenza virus (EIV) and ERAV were not detected in any samples. Among the three infected horses, two were co-infected with EHV-4 and ERBV. ERAV seroprevalence possibly varied according to sampling period. This study is the first to report the circulation of ERAV and ERBV in the Algerian horse population. Further studies are necessary to isolate and obtain molecular characterisation of ERAV and ERBV from horses in Algeria. Detailed research on epidemiological risk factors for ERVs infections in horses is essential to support and improve diagnosis, prevention and control strategies against these viruses.
© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.
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Publication Date: 2026-06-18 PubMed ID: 42313323PubMed Central: 6848918DOI: 10.1007/s11259-026-11355-5Google 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.

Overview

  • This study provides the first serological evidence of Equine Rhinitis A Virus (ERAV) circulation and molecular detection of Equine Rhinitis B Virus (ERBV) among horses in Algeria, North Africa.
  • It evaluates the prevalence of ERAV antibodies, screens for a spectrum of equine respiratory viruses, and highlights the need for further molecular characterization and epidemiological research on these viruses in the region.

Background and Purpose

  • Equine rhinitis viruses (ERAV and ERBV) are important respiratory pathogens affecting horses worldwide, causing respiratory diseases that can impact horse health and performance.
  • No prior studies had assessed the prevalence or circulation of these viruses in Algeria or the North African region, creating a knowledge gap.
  • The research aimed to:
    • Determine the seroprevalence of ERAV antibodies in Algerian horses for the first time.
    • Screen clinical samples for multiple equine respiratory viruses including EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4, ERAV, and ERBV using molecular detection methods.

Methodology

  • Sample Collection:
    • 298 serum samples collected from horses across 11 provinces between May 2022 and October 2023.
    • 23 nasal swabs collected during the same period were tested using RT-PCR for ERAV and ERBV detection.
    • An additional 74 clinical samples (50 nasal swabs, 21 fecal samples, 3 urine samples) were collected from horses showing respiratory symptoms between November 2023 and June 2025.
  • Serological Testing:
    • Complement fixation test (CFT) was used to detect antibodies against ERAV in serum samples.
  • Molecular Testing:
    • RT-PCR and PCR techniques were employed to detect ERAV, ERBV, and other equine respiratory viruses in nasal swabs and other samples.
    • Cycle Threshold (Ct) values were used to assess viral load; high Ct values indicated low viral quantities hampering sequencing efforts.

Key Findings

  • Seroprevalence of ERAV:
    • 16.8% (50 out of 298) of horses had antibodies against ERAV, indicating prior exposure or infection.
    • Seroprevalence may have varied depending on the sampling period, suggesting possible seasonal or temporal fluctuations in virus circulation.
  • Molecular Detection Results:
    • Among 72 horses tested during the clinical case study period, 3 horses (4.2%) tested positive for at least one of the five targeted respiratory viruses.
    • EHV-4 was detected in 4.2% and ERBV in 2.8% of horses sampled via nasal swabs.
    • No detections were made for ERAV, EHV-1, or equine influenza virus (EIV) in the molecular tests, possibly due to low viral loads or timing of sample collection.
    • Two of the three infected horses showed co-infection with EHV-4 and ERBV, highlighting that co-infections can occur and may complicate clinical presentations.
  • Limitations:
    • Sequencing of detected viruses was unsuccessful due to low viral loads, limiting detailed genetic characterization.
    • The temporal and spatial scope for clinical molecular testing was limited in the number of positive cases.

Implications and Future Directions

  • This study is the first to document the presence and circulation of ERAV and ERBV in Algeria, filling an important regional knowledge gap about equine respiratory viruses.
  • The finding of ERAV antibodies supports that horses in North Africa have been exposed to this virus, and the molecular detection of ERBV confirms active circulation.
  • The prevalence data can guide veterinary clinicians and researchers regarding the importance of considering these viruses in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases in horses locally.
  • Further research recommended includes:
    • Isolation and full molecular characterization of ERAV and ERBV strains to understand genetic diversity and epidemiology in the region.
    • Large-scale surveillance to determine the dynamics and risk factors associated with infection.
    • Development of improved diagnostic, prevention, and control strategies tailored to the Algerian and North African equine populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Lamraoui R, Cullinane A, Garvey M, Boureghda M, Mansouri HM, Gauger PC, Dayot L, Lukaseviciute G, Laabassi F. (2026). First serological evidence of circulation of equine rhinitis A virus and molecular detection of equine rhinitis B virus in horses in North Africa. Vet Res Commun, 50(5), 401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-026-11355-5

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 1573-7446
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 50
Issue: 5
PII: 401

Researcher Affiliations

Lamraoui, Rayane
  • PIAD Research Team, ESPA Laboratory, Department of Veterinary, Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomic Sciences, University of Batna-1, Batna, 05000, Algeria.
Cullinane, Ann
  • Virology Unit, Irish Equine Centre, NaasS W91 RH93 Co Kildare, Johnstown, Republic of Ireland.
Garvey, Marie
  • Virology Unit, Irish Equine Centre, NaasS W91 RH93 Co Kildare, Johnstown, Republic of Ireland.
Boureghda, Moundher
  • Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Ibn Khaldoun, Tiaret, 14000, Algeria.
Mansouri, Hani Mouncef
  • Private Veterinary Clinic, Batna, 05000, Algeria.
Gauger, Phil C
  • Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Iowa, USA.
Dayot, Laura
  • Virology Unit, Irish Equine Centre, NaasS W91 RH93 Co Kildare, Johnstown, Republic of Ireland.
Lukaseviciute, Gabija
  • Virology Unit, Irish Equine Centre, NaasS W91 RH93 Co Kildare, Johnstown, Republic of Ireland.
Laabassi, Farouk
  • PIAD Research Team, ESPA Laboratory, Department of Veterinary, Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Agronomic Sciences, University of Batna-1, Batna, 05000, Algeria. farouk.laabassi@univ-batna.dz.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Erbovirus / isolation & purification
  • Aphthovirus / isolation & purification
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Algeria / epidemiology
  • Picornaviridae Infections / veterinary
  • Picornaviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Picornaviridae Infections / virology
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Ethics approval: The authors confirm that ethical review is not required from this work in their region. Blood samples were collected by the researchers (veterinarians) after getting informed consent from the owners of the horses. All efforts were made to minimize animal suffering during sample collection. Oral and written informed consent was obtained from all people who participated in the study. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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