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Emerging infectious diseases2013; 19(4); 635-637; doi: 10.3201/eid1904.121450

Tick-borne encephalitis virus in horses, Austria, 2011.

Abstract: An unexpectedly high infection rate (26.1%) of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was identified in a herd of 257 horses of the same breed distributed among 3 federal states in Austria. Young age (p<0.001) and male sex (p=0.001) were positively associated with infection.
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Publication Date: 2013-05-02 PubMed ID: 23631894PubMed Central: PMC3647421DOI: 10.3201/eid1904.121450Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

This research article uncovers an unexpectedly high infection rate of tick-borne encephalitis virus in a specific breed of horses in Austria. The study also identifies young age and male sex as factors positively associated with the infection.

Objective of the Research

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in a herd of horses in Austria. The researchers were particularly interested in quantifying the rate of infection and identifying potential risk factors linked to it.

Methodology

  • The researchers involved conducted tests for TBEV among 257 horses of the same breed across three federal states in Austria.
  • They evaluated the correlation of different factors such as age and sex with the prevalence of TBEV infection.

Findings

  • The study found an unusually high rate of TBEV infection among the tested horses, standing at a shocking 26.1%.
  • The analysis indicated a positive association between the infection rates and young age (indicated by p<0.001), as well as male sex (indicated by p=0.001). This means that younger and male horses were more likely to be infected with the virus.

Implications

  • This research is crucial in understanding the extent of TBEV proliferation among equine populations in Austria.
  • It also informs preventative measures and interventions, by identifying the sub-populations (young and male horses) that may be more vulnerable to the infection.

Cite This Article

APA
Rushton JO, Lecollinet S, Hubálek Z, Svobodová P, Lussy H, Nowotny N. (2013). Tick-borne encephalitis virus in horses, Austria, 2011. Emerg Infect Dis, 19(4), 635-637. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1904.121450

Publication

Emerging infectious diseases
ISSN: 1080-6059
NlmUniqueID: 9508155
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Pages: 635-637

Researcher Affiliations

Rushton, James O
  • University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Lecollinet, Sylvie
    Hubálek, Zdenek
      Svobodová, Petra
        Lussy, Helga
          Nowotny, Norbert

            MeSH Terms

            • Age Factors
            • Animals
            • Austria / epidemiology
            • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / isolation & purification
            • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / epidemiology
            • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / veterinary
            • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / virology
            • Female
            • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
            • Horse Diseases / virology
            • Horses
            • Male
            • Sex Factors

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