Investigating an outbreak of equine viral arteritis at two connected premises.

This research article discusses an investigation conducted in 2019 on an outbreak of equine viral arteritis that affected four stallions in southern England. The study aims to determine the source of infection and its potential national spread.

Introduction

The research, spearheaded by a team from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of the UK, investigates an incident in early 2019 where four stallions in the southern regions of England tested positive for equine viral arteritis. This detection took place during routine pre-breeding screenings.

Research Goals

Here are the stated goals for this research:

• Determining the source of this equine viral arteritis infection.
• Understanding the potential for its transmission at a national level.

Equine viral arteritis, a contagious disease amongst horses caused by the equine arteritis virus, can lead to significant economic losses in the horse industry. Therefore, understanding its source and spreading potential is crucial for proactive disease control and management.

Outbreak Investigation and Epidemiology

The research focuses on epidemiological investigation. This involves:

• Identifying and tracking the disease in the equine population to understand the disease’s pattern and behavior over time.
• Determining the modes of transmission and potential risk factors, enabling prediction of future outbreaks and the development of effective control strategies.

The investigation encompasses two connected premises, likely indicating that the stallions resided or had contacted these places. Despite testing positive, it remains unclear whether these locations are the source of the infection.

Importance of the Study

The value of this study lies in its potential implications for the broader horse industry, particularly the breeding sectors. Identifying the source of an equine viral arteritis outbreak and understanding its transmission potential would allow for:

• The development and implementation of effective prevention and control measures.
• The minimization of economic impact and disruption to breeding programs.
• The facilitation of a healthier, disease-free environment for equines across the country.