Equine coital exanthema – Eradicated or underdiagnosed disease?

Abstract

SummaryEquine coital exanthema (ECE) is a contagious, sexually transmitted disease affecting horses. It manifests itself as painful papules, vesicles, pustules and ulcers on the external genitalia in both mares and stallions. While widespread, the disease is generally not classified as reportable in most countries and is not considered a significant threat to the equine industry. ECE is endemic in horse breeding populations internationally. The absence of comprehensive epidemiological data can give a false sense of security, which increases the risk of local transmission. Lack of surveillance programmes or routine control in risk group (reproductive stallions and mares) leads to unawareness and lack of proper biosecurity measures. An outbreak in breeding facilities may result in significant economic consequences. Although ECE has not been officially confirmed in Poland, equine practitioners have noted isolated clinical cases resembling the disease in farm horses in the last decades. This study aims to confirm the presence of ECE in Poland. Clinical diagnosis has been made based on characteristic lesions. Positive diagnosis was confirmed in two out of four outbreaks by real‐time PCR on genital swabs. The presence of the disease has been confirmed in different regions in Poland in farm horses bred as meat animals. Confirming EHV‐3 infection in the Polish equine population through laboratory examinations marks a significant milestone. It is now crucial to raise awareness among owners, breeders and equine practitioners about the current epidemiological status of the disease.