Novel findings from a beta coronavirus outbreak on an American Miniature Horse breeding farm in upstate New York.
Abstract: This case report describes an outbreak and novel findings associated with a beta coronavirus (BCoV) infection that occurred on an American Miniature Horse (AMH) breeding farm in upstate New York, in January and February of 2013. Twenty-nine AMH and one donkey were present on the farm when the outbreak occurred. One 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare, stabled at a separate location and owned by an employee of the farm, also tested positive. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of BCoV was performed at the Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) at Cornell on all faecal samples. The PCR assay used detects multiple beta coronaviruses, including, but not limited to, equine enteric coronavirus (ECoV). Novel findings regarding this BCoV infection in horses were recognised in this outbreak study. To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest outbreak of BCoV described thus far in a closed herd on a single premise. The case fatality rate was 0% unlike that described in a previous outbreak of ECoV involving miniature horses and a miniature donkey (Fielding . 2015). The morbidity rate was lower in this outbreak than in previously described studies (Oue . 2013; Pusterla . 2013). This outbreak also demonstrated the potential for BCoV transmission via farm personnel. The duration of shedding of virus in the faeces among some asymptomatic horses in this outbreak was longer than previously described clinical cases of ECoV (Pusterla . 2013; Nemoto . 2014). This study suggests that asymptomatic animals may play a role in the maintenance of BCoV during an outbreak; therefore, the need for diagnostic testing of both clinically affected and apparently clinically normal horses on a premises followed by appropriate biosecurity and control measures.
© 2018 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2018-05-16 PubMed ID: 32313400PubMed Central: PMC7163602DOI: 10.1111/eve.12938Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research describes an outbreak involving a beta coronavirus (BCoV) in American Miniature Horses on a breeding farm in New York. The study discusses new findings regarding the duration of virus shedding, the role of asymptomatic animals in virus’s maintenance, and potential transmission through farm personnel.
Overview of the Outbreak
- The outbreak occurred on a breeding farm for American Miniature Horses in upstate New York, between January and February of 2013.
- Twenty-nine AMH and one donkey were present during this period.
- An isolated case was also identified in a 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare, stabled separately and owned by a farm employee.
Diagnosis and Findings
- A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used to detect the BCoV in faecal samples from all the animals. This specific assay is able to identify multiple beta coronaviruses, including equine enteric coronavirus (ECoV).
- Unlike a previous outbreak of ECoV, there was no fatality linked to this BCoV outbreak. The morbidity rate, which refers to the frequency of sickness, was also lower than in past studies.
- Another new finding is the potential transmission of the virus via the farm personnel, highlighting the importance of biosecurity.
Role of Asymptomatic Horses
- The duration of virus shedding (the period during which the virus can spread) was found to be longer in some asymptomatic horses, compared to previous clinical cases of ECoV.
- This phenomenon suggests that asymptomatic animals possibly play a role in maintaining the BCoV during an outbreak.
- Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive diagnostic testing – not only of sick horses but also healthy-appearing ones – in order to implement suitable control measures.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest described outbreak of BCoV in a single, closed herd of AMH. The research offers valuable insights into BCoV behavior and has significant implications for future disease control strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Goodrich EL, Mittel LD, Glaser A, Ness SL, Radcliffe RM, Divers TJ.
(2018).
Novel findings from a beta coronavirus outbreak on an American Miniature Horse breeding farm in upstate New York.
Equine Vet Educ, 32(3), 150-154.
https://doi.org/10.1111/eve.12938 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA.
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA.
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Animal Health Diagnostic Center College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Ithaca New York USA.
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Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Stummer M, Frisch V, Glitz F, Hinney B, Spergser J, Krücken J, Diekmann I, Dimmel K, Riedel C, Cavalleri JV, Rümenapf T, Joachim A, Lyrakis M, Auer A. Presence of Equine and Bovine Coronaviruses, Endoparasites, and Bacteria in Fecal Samples of Horses with Colic.. Pathogens 2023 Aug 15;12(8).
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