Equine Coronavirus
Takeaways
- Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a highly contagious virus of foals and adult horses.
- It is transmitted through exposure to contaminated fecal material.
- It has a high morbidity, but low mortality. Most horses recover fully.
- There is no targeted treatment or vaccines for ECoV.
- The best way to protect horses from infection is to closely adhere to biosecurity protocols.
What is equine coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are known to cause illness in a variety of species and tend to attack specific organ systems such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Genetically, equine coronavirus (ECoV) appears to be a close relative of bovine coronavirus. There is currently no evidence that equine or bovine coronaviruses are likely to be infectious to humans. However, it is always advisable to follow basic biosecurity protocols when handling sick animals.
Historically, ECoV was thought to occur only in foals, but it has been increasingly reported in adult horses. It is highly contagious and transmitted between horses through exposure to contaminated fecal material. Equine coronavirus is most commonly diagnosed in the winter.
Research projects are underway to learn more about ECoV.
What are the clinical signs of equine coronavirus?
Equine coronavirus has a short incubation period, between 48 and 72 hours. Clinical signs include fever (101.5°F - 106°F), anorexia (going off feed), and lethargy. Approximately 10-15% of cases develop gastrointestinal signs such as colic and diarrhea. A small number of affected horses (7%) develop severe complications such as shock, organ failure, and neurological impairment.
Clinical signs generally persist for up to one week and horses can shed the virus in their feces for up to 21 days.
Some horses remain subclinical, showing no clinical signs.
How is equine coronavirus diagnosed?
Equine coronavirus is diagnosed based on the clinical presentation, abnormal bloodwork and the exclusion of other causes. Infection is confirmed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Other diagnostic techniques such as immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and antigen capture ELISA may be used, but are less sensitive than qPCR.
Horses that present with sudden onset of fever, lethargy and anorexia, but do not have any respiratory signs, should be tested for ECoV. It is recommended to submit both respiratory and fecal samples to the diagnostic laboratory.
How is equine coronavirus treated?
There are currently no antiviral drugs for ECoV. The disease has a high morbidity but low mortality. Most adult horses recover within a few days without specific treatment. Supportive treatment is recommended as needed and may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as flunixin meglumine (banamine) or phenylbutazone (bute), fluids and electrolytes, and gastrointestinal protectants.
What is the prognosis for equine coronavirus?
The prognosis for horses diagnosed with ECoV is good. Most horses make a full recovery.
How can equine coronavirus be prevented?
There is no licensed vaccine for ECoV. The best way to protect horses from infection is by adhering to biosecurity protocols. This includes practicing good hygiene, minimizing nose-to-nose contact between horses, cleaning stalls properly, monitoring horses for illness, and isolating sick horses.
Although no definitive data exists, ECoV likely has a short survival time in the environment (up to 2-3 days), but this depends on the ambient temperature and humidity, as well as the biological material surrounding the virus. Equine coronavirus is known to be susceptible to many commonly available disinfectants, and disinfection should be a key part of biosecurity protocols.
It is also important to enforce good biosecurity practices at events that bring together large groups of horses.
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*This article may not be reproduced without the written consent of the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. Please email requests to cehadmin@ucdavis.edu.