Molecular Surveillance of Equine Herpes Virus -1, 2, and 5 Circulating in Working Equids in Central Ethiopia
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Date
2020-06
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Abstract
Equine herpesvirus infections have a major economic, health, and welfare impact on
working equids worldwide.This study was performed from October 2019 to April 2020 in
the North Showa of Amhara regional state, East Shewa and West Arsiof Oromia regional
state of Ethiopia,for molecular detection of the virus,and to identify the association
between expected risk factors and occurrence of EHV -1,2 and 5 infectionsamong
clinically suspected working equine population. A total of 58 samples were collected from
33 donkeys and 25 horses suspected with clinical signs of EHVs infection.Detection of
EHV-1, 2, and 5 genes in the collected samples was done using polymerase chain reaction
(PCR).Assessment of the associated risk factors was conducted using a multivariable
logistic regression model.The results of this study showed that out of the 58samples, 36
(62%), 31(53%), and 15(25%) were found positive for EHV-1, 2, and 5, respectively.
Concurrent infections with EHV-1 and EHV-2 (n = 18; 31%), EHV-1 and EHV-5 (n = 10;
17%), EHV-2 and EHV-5 (n= 9; 15.5%), and EHV-1, 2, and 5 (n = 8; 13%)were
recorded.There wasno statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) of EHV-1, 2, and 5
infections with regard to age, sex, body condition score, and study sites, butstatistically
significant difference (P <0.05) between horse and donkeys were found.Our studyrevealed
that EHVs was prevalent in the working equids in the study areas, which need serious
attention for prevention and control actions. Equine herpes virus vaccines never have been
practiced in Ethiopia, therefore other forms of prevention and control strategies must be
considered.
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Keywords
Equids, Equine herpesvirus, Epidemiology, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Ethiopia