🧬 Vet’s 2025 Guide to Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA): Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention 🐎

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) is a contagious viral disease affecting horses worldwide. As we navigate through 2025, understanding EVA's implications is crucial for horse owners, breeders, and veterinarians. This comprehensive guide by Dr Duncan Houston delves into the disease's symptoms, transmission, treatment, and prevention strategies to ensure your horse's optimal health.

🔬 What is Equine Viral Arteritis?

EVA is caused by the equine arteritis virus (EAV), an RNA virus belonging to the Arteriviridae family. The disease primarily affects the respiratory and reproductive systems of horses. While many infected horses may show no clinical signs, EVA can lead to significant health issues, especially in breeding populations.

Key Points:

• Transmission: EVA spreads through respiratory secretions, semen, and contact with contaminated objects.
• Carrier State: Stallions can become long-term carriers, shedding the virus in semen without showing symptoms.
• Impact: EVA can cause abortions in pregnant mares and severe illness in foals.
• Reportable Disease: EVA is a notifiable disease in many countries, requiring immediate reporting to authorities.

🩺 Recognizing the Symptoms

Clinical signs of EVA can vary widely. Some horses remain asymptomatic, while others exhibit noticeable symptoms.

Common Symptoms:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Nasal discharge
• Conjunctivitis (redness and swelling around the eyes)
• Swelling of limbs and genitalia
• Skin rashes (urticaria)
• Abortion in pregnant mares
• Respiratory distress in foals

Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. If your horse exhibits any of these signs, consult your veterinarian promptly.

🧪 Diagnosis of EVA

Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing EVA. Veterinarians employ various diagnostic methods:

• Serological Tests: Detect antibodies against EAV in the blood.
• Virus Isolation: Identifies the presence of the virus in nasal swabs, blood, or semen samples.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Detects viral genetic material in samples.

Early detection aids in implementing control measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

💊 Treatment Options

There is no specific antiviral treatment for EVA. Management focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Supportive Care Includes:

• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Reduce fever and inflammation.
• Diuretics: Manage edema (swelling).
• Rest: Limit physical activity to aid recovery.
• Nutritional Support: Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Antibiotics: Prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections.

Most horses recover within one to two weeks, but recovery time can vary based on the severity of the disease.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

Preventing EVA is crucial, especially in breeding operations. Key preventive measures include:

Vaccination:

• Routine Vaccination: Administer vaccines to stallions and non-pregnant mares to prevent infection and reduce virus shedding.
• Pre-Breeding Vaccination: Vaccinate mares before breeding to protect against infection.

Biosecurity Measures:

• Quarantine New Arrivals: Isolate new horses for at least 3-4 weeks before introducing them to the herd.
• Hygiene Practices: Regularly disinfect equipment, stalls, and grooming tools.
• Breeding Protocols: Test stallions for EVA before breeding and use semen from EVA-negative stallions.

Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of EVA outbreaks.

📚 Conclusion

Equine Viral Arteritis remains a significant concern in the equine industry, particularly affecting breeding programs. Understanding the disease's transmission, recognizing symptoms, and implementing preventive measures are vital steps in safeguarding your horse's health. Stay informed and proactive to ensure the well-being of your equine companions.

📱 Need Expert Advice?

For personalized recommendations and expert advice tailored to your horse's needs, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today. Our team of experienced veterinarians is here to assist you in ensuring the best care for your equine companion.