Recent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of equine herpesviruses 1 and 4 among different equine populations in Egypt

Objective

Equine herpes viruses (EHVs) are considered one of the most important respiratory pathogens in equids, resulting in serious outcomes for equine health worldwide. The objectives of the current research were the detection, molecular characterization, and isolation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 circulating within different equine populations in Egypt, either clinically or in apparently healthy horses.

Material and Methods

A total of 120 field samples were collected, and DNA was extracted. Screening and typing of extracted DNA were done by consensus and conventional PCR assays for detection of EHV-1 and EHV-4, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to confirm the virus identity. Selected positive samples for both EHV-1 and EHV-4 were subjected to Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell lines for virus isolation.

Results

The obtained results revealed that 58/120 (48%) samples were positive for EHVs. Typing of positive samples showed that EHV-1 was detected in (48/120) 40% of samples and EHV-4 was detected in (15/120) 12% of samples, while dual infection by both EHV-1 and 4 was detected in five samples.

Conclusion

The current study revealed new data on the continuous circulation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 within equine populations in Egypt, and individual horses could be infected by multiple EHVs. In addition, latently infected horses are acting as potential reservoirs for frequent virus reactivation.

Equine Coital Exanthema: New Insights on the Knowledge and Leading Perspectives for Treatment and Prevention

Equine coital exanthema (ECE) is a highly contagious, venereally-transmitted mucocutaneous disease, characterized by the formation of papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers on the external genital organs of mares and stallions, and caused by equid alphaherpesvirus 3 (EHV-3). The infection is endemic worldwide and the virus is transmitted mainly through direct contact during sexual intercourse and by contaminated instruments during reproductive maneuvers in breeding facilities. The disease does not result in systemic illness, infertility or abortion, yet it does have a negative impact on the equine industry as it forces the temporary withdrawal of affected animals with the consequent disruption of mating activities in breeding facilities. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date relevant information on the knowledge of EHV-3 infection and to analyze new approaches on diagnostics, treatment and prevention in the interest of minimizing the negative consequences of ECE in light of the current situation of the equine industry.

An Exploration of Industry Expert Perception of Equine Welfare Using Vignettes

Simple Summary

Short scenarios were used to examine how equine professionals evaluated potentially welfare-compromising situations as part of a larger survey project. Participants were asked to score scenarios based on perceived severity, justify their answer, and provide an explanation for what might cause a person to put the horse in that situation. Based on the answers provided, it was determined that the duration of the situation and extent of its consequences most greatly impacted scoring values, though a large variation in score values was seen. Results from this study suggested that professionals were most sensitive to situations that had the potential to cause horses pain, which is likely to influence how they perceive and react to horses experiencing a state of poor welfare. Overall, responses from the vignettes allowed for a picture of welfare perception based on personal values.

Abstract

As part of a larger Delphi survey project, equine professionals (n = 14) were presented with twelve short scenarios in which a horse’s welfare could be compromised. They were asked to rank each scenario (with 0 indicating no welfare concerns and 5 indicating a situation where immediate intervention was necessary), provide justification for their ranking, and give examples of what might have been the motivation behind the scenario. The wide range within vignette scores demonstrated the diversity of opinion even among a relatively small group of equine professionals. Qualitative analysis of responses to vignettes suggested that respondents typically ranked situations higher if they had a longer duration and the potential for greater or longer-lasting consequences (e.g., serious injury). Respondents were also the most sensitive to situations in which the horse’s physical well-being (e.g., painful experience) was, or could be, compromised. Financial reasons, ignorance, and human convenience were also areas discussed as potential motivators by survey respondents. Overall, responses from the vignettes allowed for a picture of welfare perception based on personal values.