Abstract
Purpose
The present study was an attempt to elucidate the seroprevalence of equine influenza virus (H3N8) in two geographically distinct regions of Pakistan where vaccination is not routinely practiced.
Methods
A total number of 315 animals of family Equidae were included in the survey. Blood samples and nasal swabs were collected from the same animal and analyzed through ELISA and Hemagglutination Inhibition.
Results
The seroprevalence for EIV was 10 and 8.39 in districts under study. Out of 29 ELISA positive sera, 7 (24.1 %) showed antibodies against H1 and 22 (75.9 %) showed against H3 of influenza strains. Specie-wise antibody titer against H1 was 7.5 and 9.0 for horses and donkeys, respectively, while mules were negative. Similarly, antibody titer against H3 was 7.12, 6.9, and 6.0 for horses, donkeys, and mules, respectively. No strain was isolated from the nasal swabs despite very high antibody titers of H1 and H3 in the sera of the same animals.
Conclusions
Influenza viruses are circulating in equine species and continuous surveillance is needed to keep check on any future outbreak.
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References
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Sajid, M., Ahmad, MuD., Khan, M.A. et al. Investigation of equine influenza virus in two geographical regions of Pakistan. Trop Anim Health Prod 45, 693–694 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0247-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-012-0247-5