Seasonal, Geographical, Age and Breed Distributions of Equine Viral Arteritis in Iran

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of EVA in mare and stallion in various seasons, ages, breeds and regions of Iran. Totally, 470 blood samples which were taken from mares and stallions were tested for presence of EVA antigen and antibodies. Samples were collected in various seasons from various geographical parts of Iran. Blood and serum samples were taken from horses less than 1 year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years and more than 3 years old. Viral RNA and antibodies against EVA were detected in 4.46% and 4.04% of samples, respectively. Results showed that the EVA antigen and antibodies were higher in mare blood samples than stallion. Antibodies and antigen of EVA had the higher incidence in spring season and southern regions of Iran. Also, results showed that there were higher incidences of EVA antigen and antibodies in Standardbred breed and horses less than 1 year old. There were significant differences (P<0.05) for the incidence of EVA antigen and antibodies between mares and stallions, less than 1 year old and more than 3 years old horses, spring and winter seasons and finally, southern and northern parts of Iran. This study showed that incidences of Equine viral arteritis antigens and antibodies are related to sex and breed of horses, seasons of samples collection and geographic regions. As far as we know, this study is the first prevalence report of seasonal, geographical, age and breed distributions of EVA in stallions and mares in Iran.

Equine viral arteritis, seasons, regions, breeds, age, sexual, Iran