Serological Examinations of Significant Viral Infections in Domestic Donkeys at the Special Nature Reserve "Zasavica", Serbia.
Authors: Lazić Sava, Savić Sara, Petrović Tamaš, Lazić Gospava, Žekić Marina, Drobnjak Darko, Lupulović Diana
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary Serbian researchers serologically screened 53 donkeys at a nature reserve to establish baseline viral exposure profiles for five economically significant equine pathogens: equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), African horse sickness virus (AHSV), equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1), equine influenza virus H3N8 (EIV), and equine arteritis virus (EAV). Blood samples were analysed using species-appropriate methods including agar-gel immunodiffusion, ELISA, virus neutralisation testing, and haemagglutination inhibition testing. Universal exposure to EHV-1 was demonstrated across the cohort (antibody titres 1:2–1:128), whilst 34% of animals (18/53) showed minimal EIV seropositivity (titre 1:16); conversely, no antibodies against EIAV, AHSV, or EAV were detected in any individual. For equine practitioners working with donkeys or in mixed-species settings, these findings highlight that whilst EHV-1 exposure appears ubiquitous in this population, the absence of EIAV, AHSV, and EAV seropositivity suggests effective biosecurity or geographic protection—though the low EIV titres warrant monitoring for potential subclinical circulation. This baseline data is valuable for risk assessment in donkey breeding programmes and informs vaccination protocols in regions where donkeys and horses coexist.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EHV-1 exposure is universal in this donkey population; monitor for clinical signs of herpesvirus infection (respiratory disease, neurological signs) despite seropositive status
- •One-third of donkeys show evidence of prior EIV exposure; maintain vaccination protocols and biosecurity measures to prevent influenza outbreaks
- •The absence of EIAV, AHSV, and EAV is encouraging for herd health status; continue surveillance and maintain quarantine protocols for any new animals introduced to the reserve
Key Findings
- •All 53 donkeys tested positive for EHV-1 antibodies with titers ranging from 1:2 to 1:128
- •18 of 53 donkeys (33.96%) showed very low antibody titers for EIV subtype H3N8 at 1:16
- •No antibodies detected against EIAV, AHSV, or EAV in any of the 53 donkeys tested
- •Serological survey of 53 donkeys from a 199-animal population at Zasavica Nature Reserve during 2022