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Schaefer EA, Edman J, Magdesian KG. Comparison of hematologic variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Western stock horse breeds. Vet Clin Pathol 2024; 53:179-185. [PMID: 38679567 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematology is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the health status of horses. However, breed differences are often not considered. OBJECTIVES The objective was to compare complete blood count variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and stock horses (SH). METHODS Ninety-six healthy horses were grouped by breed (Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and SH). Samples were collected through venipuncture for complete blood count analysis. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's tests or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc tests were used to compare hematologic variables among groups. RESULTS Warmbloods had a significantly lower total white blood cell (WBC) count (6.08 ± 1.11 × 109/L) and lymphocyte count (1.76 ± 0.41 × 109/L) than Thoroughbreds (7.28 ± 1.45; 2.28 ± 5.16 × 109/L, respectively; P < .001) and SH (7.21 ± 1.18 × 109/L, P < .01; 2.10 ± 5.17 × 109/L; P < .05). Warmbloods had a significantly lower red blood cell count (7.7 ± 0.8 × 1012/L) and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 49.4 ± 2.2 fL) than Thoroughbreds (8.42 ± 1.2 × 1012/L, P < .01; 47.3 ± 3.0 fL). Warmbloods had lower MCVs than SH (49.4 ± 2.2 vs 51.2 ± 2.6 fL). The mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was higher in Warmbloods (35.0, 33.8-36.2 g/dL) and Thoroughbreds (34.9, 33.4-35.7 g/dL) than in SH breeds (34.0, 33.4-35.4 g/dL; P < .001, both). Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in Thoroughbreds (67, 59-80 g/L) compared with SH (71, 64-83 g/dL) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Warmbloods had decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts compared with Thoroughbreds and SH, and Thoroughbreds had increased red blood cell counts. Thoroughbreds had lower total protein concentrations than SH. Clinicians should consider breed differences when interpreting hematologic values.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Schaefer
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - J Edman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - K G Magdesian
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
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Lunn DP, Burgess BA, Dorman DC, Goehring LS, Gross P, Osterrieder K, Pusterla N, Soboll Hussey G. Updated ACVIM consensus statement on equine herpesvirus-1. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1290-1299. [PMID: 38497217 PMCID: PMC11099706 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a highly prevalent and frequently pathogenic infection of equids. The most serious clinical consequences of infection are abortion and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The previous consensus statement was published in 2009 and considered pathogenesis, strain variation, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, vaccination, outbreak prevention and control, and treatment. A recent survey of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine large animal diplomates identified the need for a revision to this original consensus statement. This updated consensus statement is underpinned by 4 systematic reviews that addressed key questions concerning vaccination, pharmaceutical treatment, pathogenesis, and diagnostic testing. Evidence for successful vaccination against, or effective treatment of EHV-1 infection was limited, and improvements in experimental design and reporting of results are needed in future studies of this important disease. This consensus statement also updates the topics considered previously in 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. Lunn
- School of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUnited Kingdom
| | - Brandy A Burgess
- College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - David C. Dorman
- College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lutz S. Goehring
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research CenterUniversity of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Peggy Gross
- College of Veterinary MedicineNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Nicola Pusterla
- School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gisela Soboll Hussey
- College of Veterinary MedicineMichigan State University, Veterinary Medical CenterEast LansingMichiganUSA
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Tavanaeimanesh H, Alinia Z, Sadeghian Chaleshtori S, Moosavian H, Mohebi Z, Daneshi M. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in decreasing airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in horses with 18 hours of head confinement. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1224-1231. [PMID: 38236790 PMCID: PMC10937485 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During transportation many horses develop post-transportation infection, which can be life-threatening and end their sport career. Preventing mucus accumulation and inflammation during transportation is vital, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to enhance overall horse health welfare. OBJECTIVES Assess the impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on mucus accumulation and inflammation in horses subjected to 18 hours of head confinement. ANIMALS Six healthy crossbred horses, 5.3 ± 2.1 years of age and weighing 387 ± 30 kg. METHODS Prospective placebo-controlled cross-over design study. The horses' heads were restrained in their stalls for a period of 18 hours. They were studied under 4 conditions: Not confined (NC): before head confinement, placebo (P), and confined head (CH): 18 hours of head confinement without treatment, and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): 18 hours of head confinement treated with NAC before confinement (15 mg/kg/day NAC PO for 3 days). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in each condition. Mucus accumulation along the trachea was evaluated by endoscopy. RESULTS Endoscopic scores were significantly different between CH and other conditions, whereas no significant differences were found among NC, P, and NAC. The BAL cell count (34 291 ± 2624 cells/μL), neutrophil and lymphocyte count (18 601 ± 3193 cells/μL and 3337.4 ± 593 cells/μL, respectively) in CH were significantly higher compared to NAC. Neutrophil percentage was significantly higher in CH (53.8 ± 8%) compared to horses that received NAC (20.08 ± 8%). Conversely, in comparison to NAC (66.33 ± 9%), the percentage of macrophages was significantly lower in CH (35.7 ± 10%). CONCLUSIONS N-acetylcysteine was found to significantly decrease mucus accumulation and inflammatory cell counts in horses with head confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Tavanaeimanesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Zahra Alinia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | | | - Hamidreza Moosavian
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Zeinab Mohebi
- Faculty of PharmacyKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Mojtaba Daneshi
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth DakotaUSA
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4
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White N, Pelzel-McCluskey A. Cross-Sectional Survey of Horse Owners to Assess Their Knowledge and Use of Biosecurity Practices for Equine Infectious Diseases in the United States. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3550. [PMID: 38003167 PMCID: PMC10668770 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Horses are transported in the United States more than any other livestock species and co-mingle at various events; therefore, they are considered to be at an increased risk for infectious disease transmission. The fragmented movement of horses combined with numerous sites of co-mingling makes tracing the potential spread of a disease outbreak a necessary part of an infection control plan, both locally and nationally. The cross-movement of personnel with horses and the persistence of endemic diseases make biosecurity implementation an ongoing challenge. Although many of the risks for infection are known, there is limited documentation about the usefulness of prospective control measures. The objective of this survey was to determine horse owners' understanding and knowledge of biosecurity practices for preventing infectious diseases in the United States. Questions covered owner demographic information, including horse use which was divided into 10 categories as follows: Pleasure/Trail Riding, Lessons/School, Western Show, English Show, Breeding, Farm/Ranch, Retired, Racing, Driving and Other. The survey was distributed by sending requests to a list of horse owner organizations, which then sent emails to their members. The email request described the survey and provided a website link to start the survey. A total of 2413 responses were collected. Analysis of the results included cross-tabulation to identify significant differences in biosecurity knowledge and awareness by horse use. Significant differences by horse use were identified for vaccination, biosecurity planning, use of isolation, disease risk, monitoring for diseases, co-mingling of horses, sanitation, medical decision making and health record requirements for horse events. In summary, the results suggest that most owners are not highly concerned about the risk of disease or the use of biosecurity. There are several biosecurity applications and techniques which can be increased and will benefit horse health and welfare. These include reliance on temperature monitoring, isolation of new horses at facilities, risks of horse mingling, entry requirements such as vaccination and health certificates at events, and an emphasis on having biosecurity plans for facilities and events where horses co-mingle. The information from this study will be used to create tools and information that horse owners and veterinarians can use to implement appropriate biosecurity practices for different types of horse uses and events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel White
- Equine Disease Communication Center, 4033 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Angela Pelzel-McCluskey
- United States Department of Agriculture Animal, Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, 2150 Centre Ave., Bldg B, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA;
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Frippiat T, Dams L, Wielick C, Delguste C, Ludwig-Begall LF, Art T, Thiry E. In vitro virucidal activity of nebulized citrate-complexed silver nanoparticles against equine herpesvirus-1 and murine norovirus. Virology 2023; 585:232-239. [PMID: 37406580 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Viruses can be involved in respiratory disorders in horses, with limited therapeutic options. Citrate-complexed silver nanoparticles (C-AgNP) have shown bactericidal properties after in vitro nebulization. The aim of the present study was to assess the virucidal activity of C-AgNP after in vitro instillation or nebulization on equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and murine norovirus (MNV), the latter used as surrogate for small non-enveloped viruses. Both viruses were instilled or nebulized with C-AgNP of increasing concentrations, and titres were determined via TCID50 method. We demonstrated efficient inactivation of enveloped EHV-1 following instillation and nebulization of C-AgNP (infectivity losses of ≥ three orders of magnitude). While tenacious MNV was inactivated via 2000 ppm C-AgNP instillation, nebulized C-AgNP did not lead to reduction in MNV titres. Nebulization of C-AgNP may represent a novel virucidal therapeutic approach in horses. Further investigations are needed to assess its safety and effective concentrations for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Frippiat
- Equine Sports Medicine Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium; Sportpaardenarts - Equine Sports Medicine, Laren, the Netherlands.
| | - Lorène Dams
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Constance Wielick
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Catherine Delguste
- General Services, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Louisa F Ludwig-Begall
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Tatiana Art
- Equine Sports Medicine Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium
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Pusterla N, Kalscheur M, Peters D, Bidwell L, Holtz S, Barnum S, Lawton K, Morrissey M, Schumacher S. Investigation of the Frequency of Detection of Common Respiratory Pathogens in Nasal Secretions and Environment of Healthy Sport Horses Attending a Multi-Week Show Event during the Summer Months. Viruses 2023; 15:1225. [PMID: 37376525 DOI: 10.3390/v15061225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Little information is presently available regarding the frequency of the silent shedders of respiratory viruses in healthy sport horses and their impact on environmental contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the detection frequency of selected respiratory pathogens in nasal secretions and environmental stall samples of sport horses attending a multi-week equestrian event during the summer months. Six out of fifteen tents were randomly selected for the study with approximately 20 horse/stall pairs being sampled on a weekly basis. Following weekly collection for a total of 11 weeks, all samples were tested for the presence of common respiratory pathogens (EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4, ERAV, ERBV, and Streptococcus equi ss equi (S. equi)) using qPCR. A total of 19/682 nasal swabs (2.8%) and 28/1288 environmental stall sponges (2.2%) tested qPCR-positive for common respiratory pathogens. ERBV was the most common respiratory virus (17 nasal swabs, 28 stall sponges) detected, followed by EHV-4 (1 nasal swab) and S. equi (1 nasal swab). EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4 and ERAV were not detected in any of the study horses or stalls. Only one horse and one stall tested qPCR-positive for ERBV on two consecutive weeks. All the other qPCR-positive sample results were related to individual time points. Furthermore, only one horse/stall pair tested qPCR-positive for ERBV at a single time point. The study results showed that in a selected population of sport horses attending a multi-week equestrian event in the summer, the frequency of the shedding of respiratory viruses was low and primarily restricted to ERBV with little evidence of active transmission and environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Duncan Peters
- East-West Equine Sports Medicine, Lexington, KY 40583, USA
| | - Lori Bidwell
- East-West Equine Sports Medicine, Lexington, KY 40583, USA
| | - Sara Holtz
- East-West Equine Sports Medicine, Lexington, KY 40583, USA
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kaila Lawton
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Matt Morrissey
- Morrissey Management Group, LLC, Wellington, FL 33414, USA
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Finger MA, Biava JS, Dornbusch PT, Perotta JH, Ullmann LS, Serpa PBDS, Kmetiuk LB, dos Santos AP, Biondo AW, Leutenegger C, Filho IRDB. Molecular detection of equid herpesvirus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from asymptomatic horses in Southern Brazil. Vet World 2022; 15:2597-2602. [PMID: 36590117 PMCID: PMC9798070 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2597-2602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Molecular approaches to diagnose respiratory viruses have provided an opportunity for early and subclinical pathogen detection, particularly in samples from the upper respiratory tract. This study aimed to investigate the presence of herpesviruses, particularly equid herpesvirus (EHV)-2 and EHV-5, in samples from the lower respiratory tract of healthy racehorses from Southern Brazil. Materials and Methods Samples from the lower respiratory tract (i.e., bronchoalveolar lavage fluid [BALF]) were assessed by video endoscopy, cytological evaluation of BALF, and tracheal aspirates (TA), along with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to detect equine herpesvirus infection in the lower respiratory tract samples and compare corresponding cytological and endoscopic findings. Results At least one abnormality per horse during endoscopy examination was observed, including, but not limited to, mucous secretion in the airways and pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia. The presence of EHV-2 and/or EHV-5 was detected by qPCR in 3/10 animals. One horse was positive for EHV-2 alone, one for EHV-5 alone, and one for both. Conclusion To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in Brazilian thoroughbred horses. These findings may provide new insights into the epidemiology of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in Brazilian horses, evidencing the importance of the molecular investigation, early detection, and prevention of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane Angélica Finger
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFPR - Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035, Brazil
| | - Janaina Socolovski Biava
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture “Luiz de Queiroz”, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Peterson Triches Dornbusch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFPR - Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Perotta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFPR - Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035, Brazil
| | - Leila Sabrina Ullmann
- Biotechnology Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, 18607-440, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscila Beatriz da SiIva Serpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFPR - Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035, Brazil
| | | | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFPR - Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035, Brazil,Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Christian Leutenegger
- Director Molecular Diagnostics, Antech Diagnostics - Molecular Diagnostics, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708, USA
| | - Ivan Roque de Barros Filho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFPR - Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR, 80035, Brazil,Corresponding author: Ivan Roque de Barros Filho, e-mail: Co-authors: MAF: , JSB: , PTD: , JHP: , LSU: , PBSS: , LBK: , APS: , AWB: , CL: , IRBF:
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Frequency of Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Clinically Healthy Show Horses Following a Multi-County Outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus-1 Myeloencephalopathy in California. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101161. [PMID: 36297218 PMCID: PMC9612363 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Actively shedding healthy horses have been indicated as a possible source of respiratory pathogen outbreak, transmission, and spread. Using nasal swabs from clinically healthy sport horses submitted for qPCR testing after an outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in the spring of 2022, this study aimed to identify the rate of clinically healthy horses shedding common and less characterized respiratory pathogens within the sport horse population to better understand their role in outbreaks. Swabs were collected during a required quarantine and testing period, according to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and showed return-to-competition requirements. Common respiratory pathogens, such as equine influenza virus (EIV), EHV-4, and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV), were found at low but stable frequencies within previously reported ranges, whereas EHV-1 and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) were found at or above previously reported frequencies. Less characterized respiratory pathogens, such as EHV-2, EHV-5, and S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus), were found within previously reported ranges. Common respiratory pathogens, especially EHV-1 following the multiple EHM outbreaks, were found to be circulating in clinically healthy sport horse populations, reflecting their silent transmission. The strategy of quarantine and EHV-1 qPCR testing of clinically healthy horses was successful at eliminating additional EHM outbreaks and facilitating safe return to competition with no reported respiratory disease outbreaks following the subsequent shows in California.
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Pusterla N, Sandler-Burtness E, Barnum S, Hill LA, Mendonsa E, Khan R, Portener D, Ridland H, Schumacher S. Frequency of detection of respiratory pathogens in nasal secretions from healthy sport horses attending a spring show in California. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 117:104089. [PMID: 35908600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine detection frequency of respiratory viruses (equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), EHV-2, EHV-4, EHV-5, equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV), ERBV) and bacteria (Streptococcus equi ss. equi (S. equi), S. equi ss. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus)) in 162 nasal secretions and 149 stall swabs from healthy sport horses attending a spring show in California. Nasal and stall swabs were collected at a single time point and analyzed using qPCR. The detection frequency of respiratory pathogens in nasal secretions was 38.9% for EHV-2, 36.4% for EHV-5, 19.7% for S. zooepidemicus, 1.2% for ERBV, 0.6% for S. equi and 0% for EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4 and ERAV. The detection frequency of respiratory pathogens in stall swabs was 65.8% for S. zooepidemicus, 33.5% for EHV-2, 27.5% for EHV-5, 3.3% for EHV-1, 1.3% for EHV-4 and 0% for EIV, ERAV, ERBV and S. equi. Commensal viruses and bacteria were frequently detected in nasal secretions and stall swabs from healthy sport horses. This was in sharp contrast to the subclinical shedding of well-characterized respiratory pathogens. Of interest was the clustering of five EHV-1 qPCR-positive stalls from apparently healthy horses with no evidence of clinical spread. The results highlight the role of subclinical shedders in introducing respiratory pathogens to shows and their role in environmental contamination. The results also highlight the need to improve cleanliness and disinfection of stalls utilized by performance horses during show events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Leigh Ann Hill
- Pacific Coast Equine Veterinary Services, Ramona, CA, USA
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Molecular Monitoring of EHV-1 in Silently Infected Performance Horses through Nasal and Environmental Sample Testing. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070720. [PMID: 35889966 PMCID: PMC9317758 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While the main goal in the management of an EHM outbreak focuses on identifying early clinical disease in order to physically separate infected horses, little effort is placed towards monitoring healthy horses. The assumption that EHV-1 shedding parallels clinical disease is erroneous, as subclinical shedders have been shown to be actively involved in viral spread. In an attempt to document the frequency of EHV-1 shedders and their impact on environmental contamination, we collected nasal swabs from 231 healthy horses and 203 environmental samples for the testing of EHV-1 by qPCR. Six horses and 28 stalls tested qPCR-positive for EHV-1. There was no association in the EHV-1 qPCR-positive status between nasal and stall swabs. While testing nasal secretions of healthy at-risk horses can detect active shedding at a specific time point, the testing of stall swabs allows to assess the temporal EHV-1 shedding status of a horse. The study results highlight the risk of subclinical EHV-1 shedders and stalls occupied by these horses as sources of infection for susceptible horses. The testing of individual stalls for the presence of EHV-1 may be a more practical approach than the collection of individual nasal swabs for the monitoring and early detection of the circulating virus. The results also highlight the need to improve the cleanliness and disinfection of stalls utilized by performance horses during show events.
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Easton-Jones C. Recent advancements in our understanding of equid gammaherpesvirus infections. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:11-23. [PMID: 34519074 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Equid gammaherpesviruses are ubiquitous and widespread in the equine population. Despite their frequent detection, their contribution to immune system modulation and the pathogenesis of several diseases remains unclear. Genetic variability and the combination of equid gammaherpesvirus strains a horse is infected with might be clinically significant. Initial gammaherpesvirus infection occurs in foals peripartum with latency then established in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A novel EHV-5 study suggests that following inhalation equid gammaherpesviruses might obtain direct access to T and B lymphocytes via the tonsillar crypts to establish latency. EHV-5 is associated with equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis, however, unlike with EHV-2 there is currently minimal evidence for its role in milder cases of respiratory disease and poor performance. Transmission is presumed to be via the upper respiratory tract with periodic reactivation of the latent virus in adult horses. Stress of transport has been identified as a risk factor for reactivation and shedding of equine gammaherpesviruses. There is currently a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of antiviral drugs in the treatment of equine gammaherpesvirus infections.
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Miller AB, Harris PA, Barker VD, Adams AA. Short-term transport stress and supplementation alter immune function in aged horses. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254139. [PMID: 34411137 PMCID: PMC8376036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-distance transport is associated with stress-related changes in equine immune function, and shipping-associated illnesses are often reported. Horses are frequently transported short distances, yet the effects of short-term transport on immune function remain largely unknown. Twelve horses, aged 15-30 yr, were assigned to either the control (n = 6) or treatment (n = 6) groups; treatment horses received a daily antioxidant supplement 3 weeks before and after transport. All horses were transported for approximately 1.5-2 hr on Day 0. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture at 15-min pre- and post-transport and on Days -21, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Body temperature, heart rate, body weight, total cortisol, and gene expression of IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12α, IL-17α, SAA1, and TNFα in whole blood were measured. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, stimulated with PMA/ionomycin, and stained for IFNγ and TNFα before analysis via flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were performed with significance set at P < 0.05 (SAS 9.4). Transport and supplementation did not appear to affect body weight, heart rate, IL-4, IL-8, IL-12α, IL-17α, change (Δ) in the % and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of IFNγ+ lymphocytes after stimulation, or Δ in the % and MFI of TNFα+ lymphocytes after stimulation. Supplementation decreased IL-1β and SAA1 expression. Transport increased total cortisol concentration, body temperature, and IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 expression but decreased IL-1β, TNFα, and IFNγ expression. Short-term transportation affected physiological, endocrine, and immune responses; supplementation may ameliorate inflammation in aged horses. Immune responses were most altered at 15-min post-transport and typically recovered by Day 1, suggesting that horses may be vulnerable to disease during and almost immediately after short-term transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashton B. Miller
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Patricia A. Harris
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia D. Barker
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Amanda A. Adams
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Mira F, Canuti M, Di Bella S, Puleio R, Lavazza A, Lelli D, Vicari D, Purpari G, Cannella V, Chiaramonte G, Schirò G, Castronovo C, Guercio A. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Two Gammaherpesviruses from Pantesco Breed Donkeys during an Outbreak of Mild Respiratory Disease. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081527. [PMID: 34452391 PMCID: PMC8402663 DOI: 10.3390/v13081527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Equid and asinine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs; genus Percavirus) are members of the Herpesviridae family. Though GHVs have been reported in horse populations, less studies are available on gammaherpesviral infections in donkeys. This study reports the co-infection with two GHVs in Pantesco breed donkeys, an endangered Italian donkey breed. Samples (n = 124) were collected on a breeding farm in Southern Italy from 40 donkeys, some of which were healthy or presented erosive tongue lesions and/or mild respiratory signs. Samples were analysed by using a set of nested PCRs targeting the DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and DNA-packaging protein genes, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Twenty-nine donkeys (72.5%) tested positive, and the presence of Equid gammaherpesvirus 7 and asinine herpesvirus 5 was evidenced. In 11 animals, we found evidence for co-infection with viruses from the two species. Virions with herpesvirus-like morphology were observed by electron microscopic examination, and viruses were successfully isolated in RK-13-KY cell monolayers. The histological evaluation of tongue lesions revealed moderate lympho-granulocytic infiltrates and rare eosinophilic inclusions. The detection of GHVs in this endangered asinine breed suggests the need long-life monitoring within conservation programs and reinforces the need for further investigations of GHV’s pathogenetic role in asinine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mira
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Marta Canuti
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 232 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada;
| | - Santina Di Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (S.D.B.)
| | - Roberto Puleio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Via Bianchi n. 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (A.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Via Bianchi n. 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy; (A.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Domenico Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Giuseppa Purpari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Vincenza Cannella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Gabriele Chiaramonte
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Giorgia Schirò
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Calogero Castronovo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Via Gino Marinuzzi n. 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy; (R.P.); (D.V.); (G.P.); (V.C.); (G.C.); (G.S.); (C.C.); (A.G.)
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Equine Herpesvirus Type 4 (EHV-4) Outbreak in Germany: Virological, Serological, and Molecular Investigations. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070810. [PMID: 34202127 PMCID: PMC8308676 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) is enzootic in equine populations throughout the world. A large outbreak of EHV-4 respiratory infection occurred at a Standardbred horse-breeding farm in northern Germany in 2017. Respiratory illness was observed in a group of in-housed foals and mares, which subsequently resulted in disease outbreak. Out of 84 horses in the stud, 76 were tested and 41 horses were affected, including 20 foals, 10 stallions, and 11 mares. Virological investigations revealed the involvement of EHV-4 in all cases of respiratory illness, as confirmed by virus isolation, qPCR, and/or serological follow-up using virus neutralization test and peptide-specific ELISA. Among infected mares, 73% (8 out of 11) and their corresponding foals shed the virus at the same time. EHV-4 was successfully isolated from four animals (including one stallion and three foals), and molecular studies revealed a different restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profile in all four isolates. We determined the complete 144 kbp genome sequence of EHV-4 isolated from infected horses by next-generation sequencing and de novo assembly. Hence, EHV-4 is genetically stable in nature, different RFLP profiles, and genome sequences of the isolates, suggesting the involvement of more than one animal as a source of infection due to either true infection or reactivation from a latent state. In addition, epidemiological investigation revealed that stress caused by seasonal changes, management practices, routine equestrian activities, and exercises contributed as a multifactorial causation for disease outbreak. This study shows the importance of implementing stress alleviating measures and management practices in breeding farms in order to avoid immunosuppression and occurrence of disease.
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Bernardino P, James K, Barnum S, Corbin R, Wademan C, Pusterla N. What have we learned from 7 years of equine rhinitis B virus qPCR testing in nasal secretions from horses with respiratory signs. Vet Rec 2021; 188:e26. [PMID: 33759193 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV) has been given little attention by practitioners compared to other respiratory viruses, mainly because of the lack of diagnostic modalities and association with clinical disease. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of detection of ERBV in nasal secretions from 6568 horses with acute onset of respiratory signs. METHODS ERBV-positive qPCR results from nasal secretions submitted to a molecular diagnostic laboratory from 2013 to 2019 were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 333 ERBV qPCR-positive samples (5.1%) were detected with increasing yearly frequency since the introduction of the assay in 2013. In comparison, only three of 356 (0.8%) healthy horses tested qPCR-positive for ERBV. Median age for ERBV qPCR-positive horses was 3 years of age, and fever, coughing and nasal discharge were the most common signs reported. Further, co-infections with other respiratory pathogens were reported in 73 (21.9%) of ERBV qPCR-positive samples. CONCLUSION ERBV is a commonly detected respiratory virus from nasal secretions of young horses presenting with fever, nasal discharge and coughing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Bernardino
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kaitlyn James
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Rachel Corbin
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Cara Wademan
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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16
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Salco R, Bowers J, Hernandez V, Barnum S, Pusterla N. Prevention of respiratory infections with alpha- and gamma-herpesviruses in weanling foals by using a modified live intra-nasal equine influenza vaccine. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2020; 61:517-520. [PMID: 32355351 PMCID: PMC7155874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine if the administration of a modified live equine influenza virus vaccine (FluAvert) to foals would positively impact their health and reduce colonization of their upper airways with equine herpesviruses (EHV) during the weaning period. A single dose of FluAvert was given to 20 healthy foals 7 days prior to being weaned; 20 healthy foals served as unvaccinated controls. Nasal secretions and blood were collected before vaccination, the day of weaning, and weekly thereafter for 3 weeks. Nasal secretions were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for EHV-1, -2, -4 and -5. Whole blood was analyzed for a complete blood cell count and fibrinogen concentration. Physical assessments were made daily. The use of FluAvert was associated with a better clinical outcome. However, the equine influenza virus (EIV) vaccine did not influence selected hematological parameters and kinetics of herpesviruses. The clinical benefit observed in vaccinates may explain the perception that the EIV vaccine induces cross-protection against respiratory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Salco
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, USA (Pusterla, Barnum); Harris Farms Horse Division, 27366 West Oakland Avenue, Coalinga, California, USA (Salco, Bowers, Hernandez)
| | - Jeanne Bowers
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, USA (Pusterla, Barnum); Harris Farms Horse Division, 27366 West Oakland Avenue, Coalinga, California, USA (Salco, Bowers, Hernandez)
| | - Virginia Hernandez
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, USA (Pusterla, Barnum); Harris Farms Horse Division, 27366 West Oakland Avenue, Coalinga, California, USA (Salco, Bowers, Hernandez)
| | - Samantha Barnum
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, USA (Pusterla, Barnum); Harris Farms Horse Division, 27366 West Oakland Avenue, Coalinga, California, USA (Salco, Bowers, Hernandez)
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, USA (Pusterla, Barnum); Harris Farms Horse Division, 27366 West Oakland Avenue, Coalinga, California, USA (Salco, Bowers, Hernandez)
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Bueno I, Pearce P, Dunowska M. Frequency of latent equine herpesvirus type-1 infection among a sample of horses in the central North Island of New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2019; 68:23-30. [PMID: 31394974 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1653238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To estimate the frequency of infection with equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) among horses from the central North Island of New Zealand, including the frequency of detection of the D752 genotype.Methods: Samples of retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RLN) and submandibular lymph nodes (SLN) were dissected from the heads of 63 horses that were humanely killed for various unrelated reasons between March and November 2015. DNA extracted from these tissues was subjected to enrichment for EHV-1 sequences by hybridisation with biotin-labelled EHV-1 specific probe, followed by recovery of EHV-1 sequences on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Enriched samples were tested for the presence of EHV-1 using nested quantitative real-time PCR. The EHV-1 amplicons were sequenced to determine the genotype of the virus.Results: The median age of the horses was 6 (min 2, max 30) years, and 47/63 (75%) were Thoroughbreds. EHV-1 DNA was detected in RLN samples from 6/63 (10%) horses, and three of these horses were also positive for EHV-1 DNA in SLN. The remaining horses were negative for EHV-1 DNA in both RLN and SLN samples. The N752 genotype was detected in all positive samples and the D752 genotype was not detected in any of the samples.Conclusions: EHV-1 continues to circulate among horses in New Zealand. The frequency of latent EHV-1 infection among sampled horses may have been underestimated due to the sensitivity limit of the assay or because of the limited anatomical sites sampled in the study. Lack of detection of the D752 genotype suggests that infection with this genotype is not common in horses in New Zealand.Clinical Relevance: If live animals are tested for EHV-1 using SLN biopsy it should be kept in mind that negative results do not rule out the presence of latent EHV-1 infection at other sites inaccessible for testing. The RLN appear to be the preferred sample for detection of EHV-1 DNA in horses following recent euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imc Bueno
- Animal Health Laboratory, Ministry for Primary Industries, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - P Pearce
- New Zealand Equine Health Association, Marton, New Zealand
| | - M Dunowska
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Dall Agnol AM, Beuttemmuller EA, Pilz D, Leme RA, Saporiti V, Headley SA, Alfieri AF, Alfieri AA. Detection of Equid gammaherpesvirus 2 and 5 DNA in the upper respiratory tract of asymptomatic horses from Southern Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2019; 50:875-878. [PMID: 31187445 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-019-00100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Equid gammaherpesvirus 2 (EHV-2) and 5 (EHV-5) are members of the Herpesviridae family and have been reported in horse populations worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of herpesvirus DNA in the upper respiratory tract of horses. Twenty-six nasal swabs were collected from asymptomatic adult horses of two different horse farms (A, n = 18; B, n = 8), both located in Southern Brazil. The EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-4, and EHV-5 DNA analyses were performed using nested PCR assays targeting the glycoprotein B gene. Four (15.3%) and 12 (46.1%) of the 26 nasal swab samples were positive for the EHV-2 and EHV-5, respectively. Four (15.3%) horses were detected with both viruses simultaneously. DNA of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in both single and mixed infections was identified in horses from both herds. All swab samples were negative for EHV-1 and EHV-4. This study reports the first detection of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in the upper respiratory tracts of horses in Brazil. The high detection rate of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in asymptomatic adult horses demonstrates that these gammaherpesviruses are circulating in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alais Maria Dall Agnol
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil.,Center for Agroveterinary Sciences, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Edsel Alves Beuttemmuller
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil.,Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pilz
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Raquel Arruda Leme
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil.,Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Viviane Saporiti
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Selwyn Arlington Headley
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.,Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Tissue Processing Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Alice Fernandes Alfieri
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil.,Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Amauri Alcindo Alfieri
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil. .,Multi-User Animal Health Laboratory, Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid - Campus Universitário, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, PO Box 10011, Londrina, PR, CEP 86057-970, Brazil.
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Wright S. Highlights of recent clinically relevant papers. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Smith FL, Watson JL, Spier SJ, Kilcoyne I, Mapes S, Sonder C, Pusterla N. Frequency of shedding of respiratory pathogens in horses recently imported to the United States. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1436-1441. [PMID: 29761571 PMCID: PMC6060314 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported horses that have undergone recent long distance transport might represent a serious risk for spreading infectious respiratory pathogens into populations of horses. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of shedding of respiratory pathogens in recently imported horses. ANIMALS All imported horses with signed owner consent (n = 167) entering a USDA quarantine for contagious equine metritis from October 2014 to June 2016 were enrolled in the study. METHODS Prospective observational study. Enrolled horses had a physical examination performed and nasal secretions collected at the time of entry and subsequently if any horse developed signs of respiratory disease during quarantine. Samples were assayed for equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus type-1, -2, -4, and -5 (EHV-1, -2, -4, -5), equine rhinitis virus A (ERAV), and B (ERBV) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). RESULTS Equine herpesviruses were detected by qPCR in 52% of the study horses including EHV-2 (28.7%), EHV-5 (40.7%), EHV-1 (1.2%), and EHV-4 (3.0%). Clinical signs were not correlated with being qPCR-positive for EHV-4, EHV-2, or EHV-5. None of the samples were qPCR-positive for EIV, ERAV, ERBV, and S. equi. The qPCR assay failed quality control for RNA viruses in 25% (46/167) of samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Clinical signs of respiratory disease were poorly correlated with qPCR positive status for EHV-2, -4, and -5. The importance of γ-herpesviruses (EHV-2 and 5) in respiratory disease is poorly understood. Equine herpesvirus type-1 or 4 (EHV-1 or EHV-4) were detected in 4.2% of horses, which could have serious consequences if shedding animals entered a population of susceptible horses. Biosecurity measures are important when introducing recently imported horses into resident US populations of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauna Leah Smith
- Willian R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Johanna L Watson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sharon J Spier
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Isabelle Kilcoyne
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Samantha Mapes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
| | - Claudia Sonder
- Center for Equine Heath, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California Davis, Davis, California
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