Seroprevalence of Equine Influenza Virus Antibodies in Horses from Four Localities in Colombia

TL;DR

This study found that 27% of horses in Colombia had antibodies against equine influenza, with vaccination and housing being key factors.

Contribution

The study provides the first seroprevalence data on equine influenza in Colombia and identifies risk factors.

Findings

27% of 385 horses tested positive for EIV antibodies.

Unvaccinated horses were 68% less likely to test positive than vaccinated ones.

Horses in stables had higher odds of testing positive.

Abstract

Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease caused by the equine influenza virus (EIV). The occurrence of EIV outbreaks in America is associated with low levels of vaccination coverage. In Colombia, no seroprevalence evaluation has been carried out to estimate the distribution of the virus within the country. Our aim was to perform a sero-epidemiological survey of equine influenza infections and to identify associated risk factors in horses from four departments of Colombia. Serological testing was carried out by using an ELISA for the detection of IgG antibodies against the influenza A virus. The evaluation of epidemiological variables, clinical manifestations, and vaccination history was carried out through the application of a data collection instrument. Among the 385 horses analyzed, 27% of the samples tested positive, with a higher prevalence in Study 1 from horses with respiratory symptoms (40.4%) than in Study 2 from horses without clinical signs (16.1%). Only horses housed in stables had higher odds of testing positive. The study also revealed that unvaccinated horses were 68% less likely to test positive than vaccinated horses were. This research highlights a significant gap in vaccination coverage and the presence of antibodies even in asymptomatic horses. Management factors such as activity type and housing should be considered when strategies for EIV prevention are developed.

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