EQUINE HERPESVIRUSES: Experimental Infecton of a Foetus with Type 2

Abstract

SummaryIntrauterine infection of pregnant mare with equine herpesvirus type 2 (EHV 2) did not result in foetal abortion, stillbirth or recognisable disease. Collection of uterine fluid by allantocentesis or amniocentesis 107 days after inoculation confirmed that intrauterine infection was established. EHV 2 was isolated from both allantoic and amniotic fluid separately collected at the time of elective Caesarean section 156 days after inoculation and virus neutralising antibody to EHV 2 was present in the foal's presuckle serum at birth. A very mild clinical disease, characterised by a scant, mucous oculo‐nasal discharge was observed between 4 and 11 days after birth. EHV 2 was isolated from 22 nasal swabs taken between birth and 65 days of age, on which day the foal was infected with equine adenovirus. EHV 2 was not isolated from 6 nasal swabs collected from 66 to 71 days of age.