No evidence of endemic Borna disease virus infection in Australian horses in contrast with endemic infection in other continents.

The research study investigated the prevalence of the Borna disease virus (BDV) in horses in Australia and found it to be very low, contrasting greatly with the endemic presence of the virus in other continents.

Overview of Borna Disease Virus (BDV)

• BDV is a unique RNA virus that can cause neurological diseases in animals like horses, sheep, and cats.
• The virus’s ability to infect humans has also been discovered, prompting concerns about its potential impact.
• The prevalence of BDV in regions outside Europe is of interest, particularly when it comes to managing international animal movement, including horses.

Study Methodology

• Serum samples were obtained from 553 Australian horses located in Sydney, New South Wales.
• These samples were then tested for BDV antigen, circulating immune complexes (CICs), and antibodies using monoclonal antibody-based ELISAs.
• Approximately a tenth of these samples underwent further tests, including immunofluorescence (IFA) and a peptide ELISA, as well as for BDV RNA.

Research Findings

• The research revealed a very low frequency of serological markers that could be associated with BDV exposure in the Australian horses sampled.
• Only a small percentage (0.7%) of the serum samples displayed low range positive results in the CIC assay.
• Further, no detectable BDV RNA was identified in the samples.
• This low prevalence strongly contrasts with the pattern of endemic infection observed, particularly in continents like Europe.

Implications of the Study

• The information from this study suggests that BDV is not endemic in the Australian horse population. This finding stands in contrast to its prevalent infection in other continents.
• The findings could have implications for the management of international animal movement, particularly horses, between Australia and regions where BDV infection is endemic.