Epidemiology of EHV-1 and EHV-4 infections: A review

Abstract

This review mainly focuses on the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory diseases, abortions, perinatal mortalities and neurological diseases in horses caused by EHV-1 and EHV-4. There are several sources of EHV-1 and EHV-4 which are transmitted by different routes. The latency and reactivation of EHV-1 and EHV-4 play an important role in the persistence of infection with these viruses in the equine population. These viruses are major agents in respiratory diseases in horses. Mares and their foals play an important role in the circulation of these viruses on farms. Abortion and perinatal mortality can take the sporadic or epizootic form. Neurological disease is caused primarily by neuropathogenic EHV-1. Combined epizootics of neurological diseases and abortions are common.