Serological evidence of equine arteritis virus infection and phylogenetic analysis of viral isolates in semen of stallions from Serbia.
Authors: Lazić Sava, Lupulović Diana, Gaudaire Delphine, Petrovic Tamas, Lazić Gospava, Hans Aymeric
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Arteritis Virus Surveillance in Serbian Stallions Equine arteritis virus poses a significant biosecurity threat to breeding populations through venereal transmission, yet its presence had never been formally documented in Serbia despite the country's substantial equine industry. Lazi´c and colleagues screened 340 horses from the Vojvodina region serologically for EAV antibodies and subsequently investigated semen samples from three seropositive stallions using RT-qPCR and cell culture isolation to determine active viral shedding status. The study confirmed EAV circulation within the Serbian equine population, with phylogenetic analysis of recovered isolates revealing genetic relationships to strains documented elsewhere in Europe. For practitioners involved in international horse trade, breeding programmes, or semen importation, these findings underscore the need for mandatory EAV serological screening and semen testing protocols, particularly given the virus's capacity for rapid spread through breeding stock and the potential for subclinical or latent infections in carrier stallions. This research establishes a crucial epidemiological baseline for Serbia and supports the case for EAV surveillance as a routine component of pre-breeding health assessments and export health certification schemes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EAV circulates in Serbian horse populations undetected; breeding stallions should be serologically screened before use to prevent disease transmission
- •Seropositive stallions require semen testing to determine if they are actively shedding virus, as this affects breeding management and biosecurity protocols
- •Implement EAV testing protocols in breeding programs even in regions with no reported outbreaks, as silent circulation poses significant risk to the breeding industry
Key Findings
- •Serological evidence of EAV infection was detected in horse populations in Serbia's Vojvodina region despite no prior documented outbreak
- •Three seropositive stallions were identified and their semen was analyzed for active viral shedding using RT-qPCR and viral isolation
- •Phylogenetic analysis of viral isolates from semen provided characterization of circulating EAV strains in the region