[Year-round antibody profile of groups of horses of a herd kept in isolation after differently terminating use of an experimental viral combination vaccine].

The research investigates the effects of a multi-component experimental vaccine designed for horses to combat viral respiratory infections. The study finds the vaccine tolerable, effective against equine herpesvirus and influenza subtypes but less effective against certain retrovirus types, and provides recommendations for optimal vaccination timing.

Research Objectives

• The primary objective of the research was to assess the general tolerance and specific immunogenicity (ability to induce an immune response) of the multicomponent experimental vaccine, “Resequin F Konz.”.
• The experimental vaccine in question was designed to address viral respiratory infections in horses, specifically the equine herpes virus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4), and equine influenza subtypes.
• The researchers were particularly interested in the potential for EHV-4 to potentiate the effect of EHV-1 to prevent abortions in horses, which happen due to EHV-1.

Methodology and Findings

• The vaccine’s effects were tested on different groups of horses, both young and adult. The young horses’ group provided insights into the vaccine’s prophylactic (preventive) effects against respiratory infections.
• On the other hand, the adult horse group offered information on the vaccine’s ability to potentiate the effect of EHV-4 against EHV-1, thereby hoping to enhance protection against EHV-1 induced abortions.
• The study found that the experimental vaccine was well tolerated by all tested groups. It provided considerable protection against either equine herpesvirus type and was very good in providing protection against both equine influenza subtypes.
• However, the vaccine exhibited low immunogenicity against retroviruses types 1 and 3.

Recommendations

• The research concluded by providing recommendations for optimal timing for vaccination. The optimal timing is determined by taking into account the prevalent virus dissemination phases, the different age groups of horses, and their respective uses.
• The specific recommendations for optimal vaccination spacing are expected to improve the vaccine’s effectiveness against respiratory infections in horses by aligning the vaccination schedule with the virus’s most likely period of spread.