Seroprevalence and factors associated with seropositivity to equine arteritis virus in Spanish Purebred horses in Spain.

Summary

# Equine Arteritis Virus Seropositivity in Spanish Purebred Horses Equine viral arteritis poses a significant threat to breeding operations across Europe, yet Spain's epidemiological picture remains unclear despite the country's substantial Spanish Purebred horse population and the last documented outbreak dating back to 1992. Cruz and colleagues conducted a seroprevalence survey to characterise EAV exposure in Spanish Purebred horses and identify risk factors associated with seropositivity, filling a notable gap in the Spanish surveillance data. The study identified specific management, geographical, and demographic factors linked to increased antibody titres, providing evidence of ongoing viral exposure within the breeding population. These findings are particularly relevant for stud farms and breeding programmes, as they highlight which horse populations warrant closer monitoring and targeted biosecurity measures to prevent clinical outbreaks and protect fertility and reproductive performance. Given EAV's capacity for rapid spread through breeding stock and the potential for persistent infection in stallions, understanding current seropositivity patterns and at-risk groups enables practitioners to advise clients on vaccination timing, purchase screening protocols, and quarantine procedures appropriate to their operation's risk profile.

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Key Findings

• •Seroprevalence study of EAV in Spanish Purebred horses identified factors associated with seropositivity
• •Last confirmed EVA outbreak in Spain occurred in 1992, indicating historical but not current active disease
• •Spanish Purebred horses represent the major equine breeding industry in Spain and were the focus population

Conditions Studied

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