Equine Arteritis Viruses (EAV) refer to a group of RNA viruses that belong to the family Arteriviridae and the genus Arterivirus. These viruses primarily infect horses and have been identified as the causative agents of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), a contagious and occasionally serious respiratory and reproductive disease in equids. EAV can also infect other members of the Equidae family, such as donkeys and zebras.
The primary mode of transmission of Equine Arteritis Viruses is through respiratory secretions from infected horses, either through direct contact or inhalation of aerosolized particles. In some cases, EAV can also be transmitted through the semen of infected stallions during breeding. Once inside a host, the virus typically targets cells found in the respiratory tract, lymph nodes, and reproductive organs.
Clinical signs and symptoms of Equine Viral Arteritis can vary significantly, ranging from mild respiratory infections to severe systemic illness. Common symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, coughing, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia. In breeding stallions, EAV can also lead to infertility, abortion, or the birth of weak or compromised foals.
Prevention and control of Equine Arteritis Viruses primarily involve vaccination strategies, routine testing of breeding stallions, and strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus within horse populations. While EVA can result in serious complications, most affected horses recover with supportive care and appropriate management practices.
