Outbreak of equid herpesvirus 1 abortions at the Arabian stud in Poland.
Authors: Stasiak Karol, Dunowska Magdalena, Rola Jerzy
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Outbreak of equid herpesvirus 1 abortions at the Arabian stud in Poland EHV-1 remains a persistent threat to stud farms across Europe, yet its clinical presentation varies considerably—from inapparent infection to severe respiratory disease, abortion, foal mortality, and neurological complications. This case report documents an abortion outbreak among Arabian mares at a well-resourced Polish state stud, providing insight into how EHV-1 can breach biosecurity on managed premises where such incidents might be considered unlikely. The authors investigated the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the outbreak, identifying the virus through laboratory confirmation and tracing transmission pathways within the herd. Understanding the dynamics of how EHV-1 spreads in closed populations and which management factors failed to contain it carries direct relevance for stud farm operators and veterinary practitioners responsible for herd health planning, particularly regarding quarantine protocols, vaccination strategies, and the recognition that even well-maintained facilities remain vulnerable to viral spread during breeding seasons when mares and stock movements increase. The findings underscore the importance of rapid diagnostic confirmation, strict isolation procedures, and coordinated response protocols to minimise reproductive losses and prevent wider dissemination to other premises.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Even well-managed stud farms with good biosecurity can experience EHV-1 abortion outbreaks, necessitating vigilant surveillance and rapid response protocols
- •EHV-1 should be considered in differential diagnosis for any abortion, respiratory signs, neonatal death, or neurological disease outbreaks on equine properties
- •Implementation of outbreak management and prevention strategies specific to EHV-1 is critical for stud farm operations
Key Findings
- •EHV-1 outbreak occurred at a well-managed Arabian stud farm in Poland despite endemic status of the virus worldwide
- •Clinical manifestations of EHV-1 infection include abortion, respiratory disease, neonatal foal death, and neurological complications