[Relevance of infection with equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in a German thoroughbred stud: vaccination, abortion and diagnosis].

The research focuses on understanding whether a forthcoming abortion induced by the equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) can be predicted through increases in antibody titres, virus shedding and viraemia, including an evaluation of current diagnostic methods used for detecting the EHV-1 induced abortion in horses. It further considers the immune response after immunization and potential virus reactivation.

Objective and Methodology of the Research

• The main aim of the study was to establish whether a forthcoming equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) induced abortion could be projected by considering an increase in antibody titres, virus shedding, and viraemia (the presence of viruses in the blood).
• This investigation studied the immune response post immunization and any potential virus reactivation.
• Over a period of two years, 32 mares between 5-21 years of age were systematically observed, both before and after vaccination and pregnancy.
• A variety of tests such as neutralization tests, indirect immunofluorescence tests, PCR, and virus isolation were used for EHV-1 diagnostics.

Key Findings of the Research

• Research found that responses to vaccination varied from horse to horse, with 14 instances suggesting a potential EHV-1-reactivation.
• Making an abortion prognosis proved impossible using serological, virological and molecular biological parameters. Virus shedding and antibody titres were also found to be individualistic.
• An acute infection could be identified by a significant rise of antibodies, viraemia and virus shedding in secretions.
• For reliable abortion diagnostics, antigen detection coupled with virus isolation and PCR from fetal lungs proved effective.
• It is also recommended to carry out virological and serological examinations of the mare.

Recommendations and Conclusion

• For prophylaxis, the research advises regular vaccination and strict hygiene practices, as the responses to the vaccination, the virus shedding and antibody titres varied and were individualistic in nature.
• Evidence also could not support the projection of a forthcoming EHV-1 induced abortion.