Equine Viral Arteritis: Reproductive risks and management strategies in horse populations

Abstract

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) is an infectious disease in horses caused by Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV), a member of the Arterivirus genus in the Arteriviridae family. This disease has a significant impact on animal health and the horse breeding industry because it can cause systemic viremia, vascular damage, subcutaneous edema, abortion in pregnant mares, and persistent infection in adult stallions. Post-pubertal stallions can become androgen-dependent carriers, continuously excreting the virus through semen without showing clinical symptoms, thus acting as the main reservoir and route of venereal transmission. Transmission of the virus also occurs through respiratory and transplacental contact, with the risk of transmission increasing in dense populations, high mobility, and suboptimal reproductive management practices. This review summarizes the latest literature on the characteristics of the virus, epidemiology, pathogenesis, immune response, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, and EVA control strategies. Detection of the virus through RT-qPCR and serological screening is the primary method for identifying acute cases and carriers, while selective vaccination and strict biosecurity measures have proven effective in suppressing the spread of the virus. The immune response to EAV involves innate and adaptive mechanisms, including the activation of macrophages, T cells, and the production of neutralizing antibodies, although it is not always able to eliminate the virus in the reproductive tissues of males. Overall, EVA control requires a multidimensional approach that integrates vaccination, carrier monitoring, reproductive management, and biosecurity. This information is important to support prevention strategies, outbreak control, and animal health policies in the global equine industry.