Active equine parvovirus-hepatitis infection is most frequently detected in Austrian horses of advanced age.
Authors: Badenhorst Marcha, de Heus Phebe, Auer Angelika, Tegtmeyer Birthe, Stang Alexander, Dimmel Katharina, Tichy Alexander, Kubacki Jakub, Bachofen Claudia, Steinmann Eike, Cavalleri Jessika M V
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Parvovirus-Hepatitis in Austrian Horses Austrian researchers conducted a cross-sectional serological and molecular survey of 259 horses and 13 donkeys to establish the prevalence of equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) and identify risk factors for active infection, using antibody testing (LIPS assay) and PCR detection of viral DNA alongside liver function assessment. Overall seroprevalence reached 30.1% with active viraemia (DNA-positive) detected in 8.9% of horses, yet surprisingly, markers of hepatic damage (GLDH, GGT, bile acids, albumin) showed no significant differences between actively infected and uninfected animals. The most striking finding was a strong age-associated risk: horses aged 16–31 years were over eight times more likely to be DNA-positive than younger horses (1–8 years), with middle-aged animals (9–15 years) also showing significantly elevated risk compared with the youngest cohort. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Austrian EqPV-H variants clustered closely with globally distributed strains, suggesting a common viral lineage, though no evidence of infection emerged in the small donkey population sampled. Given the high prevalence without overt clinical hepatitis and the marked age predisposition, senior horses warrant particular attention during health screening, though the apparent lack of hepatic dysfunction raises important questions about subclinical carriage and the true pathogenic significance of active EqPV-H infection in field populations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EqPV-H is common in Austrian horse populations (30% seropositive) but active infection appears subclinical and does not consistently elevate liver enzymes, so screening should be based on exposure risk rather than clinical presentation
- •Geriatric horses (16+ years) have significantly higher risk of active EqPV-H infection, suggesting older animals warrant more intensive monitoring or preventive management
- •Current liver enzyme panels may not reliably detect active EqPV-H infection, so PCR testing is needed for definitive diagnosis in suspect cases
Key Findings
- •EqPV-H seroprevalence was 30.1% and active DNA infection (PCR-positive) was 8.9% in Austrian horses
- •Horses aged 16-31 years had 8.19 times higher odds of active EqPV-H infection compared to horses aged 1-8 years (P=0.002)
- •Liver-associated biochemistry parameters (GLDH, GGT, bile acids, albumin) showed no significant differences between actively infected and PCR-negative horses
- •Austrian EqPV-H variants showed high phylogenetic similarity to global sequences, and no EqPV-H was detected in donkeys