Abstract
SummaryBackgroundPathogens are frequently implicated in equine respiratory disease. In Ethiopia, respiratory disease is a frequent cause for presentation at veterinary clinics and a priority concern for users of working horses. However, there is little existing literature on possible aetiologies.ObjectivesDetermine prevalence of respiratory signs and exposure to major respiratory pathogens through a serological survey.Study designCross‐sectional.MethodsSystematically selected horses from 19 sites in central Ethiopia were examined clinically and sampled once (August‐December 2013). A face‐to‐face interview collected data on horses’ management and history. Serological testing targeted equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesviruses‐1 (EHV‐1) and ‐4 (EHV‐4), equine rhinitis viruses A (ERAV) and B (ERBV), equine arteritis virus (EAV) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi).ResultsOwners reported a recent history of coughing in 38% of horses and nasal discharge in 7%. No animals were observed coughing during examination but 6% had a nasal discharge. Antibodies towards S. equi, were most prevalent (8%, 33/350). Antibodies to EAV were confirmed in one animal (0.3%). Low antibody titres to EHV‐1/4 and ERA/BV suggested prior exposure but antibodies to EIV were not detected. Multivariable, multilevel logistic regression analysis for risk factors associated with S. equi serostatus showed higher odds of seropositivity in younger animals and those working less frequently.Main limitationsA single serological sample cannot describe dynamic changes in antibodies. Sampling horses at the place of work may result in healthy‐worker bias.Conclusions S. equi may be endemic in this population and contributing, in part, to the occurrence of respiratory disease. Low prevalence of antibodies to viruses, with the exception of EIV, indicates these pathogens are present, but unlikely a predominant cause of respiratory signs and noninfectious causes of disease should also be investigated. Working horses in this region would be vulnerable to incursion of equine influenza.
Highlights
Ethiopia has Africa’s largest equid population which is continuing to grow [1]
The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of respiratory signs in Ethiopian working horses and seroprevalence to major respiratory pathogens based on serological assays
Behaviour prohibited examination and blood sampling in 45 horses
Summary
The 2 million working horses are used in urban and rural environments to pull cart-taxis as ‘gharry’ horses or ridden as saddle horses. They transport people, produce, water and building materials and are an important source of income for whole families [2]. A recent assessment of working equid health [7] identified a poorly defined respiratory syndrome as one of three syndromes with high prevalence and morbidity and that investigation to determine the role of infectious agents is critical. There is little literature on the possible aetiology of respiratory disease in Ethiopia or other countries with a large working equid population. It is difficult to speculate as to the aetiology of disease or provide evidence-based recommendations for treatments or preventive measures
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
