Equine Parvovirus-hepatitis Virus (EqPV-H)

Equine serum hepatitis, formerly referred to as Theiler’s Disease, is caused by infection with equine parvovirus-hepatitis virus (EqPV-H). EqPV-H is a hepatotropic single-stranded DNA virus capable of causing hepatitis in infected horses.

Two distinct etiologies of EqPV-H infection are recognized: biologic transmission and non-biologic transmission. Asymptomatic infection is common, and only a small percentage of infected horses will develop clinical signs of liver disease.

Note: EqPV-H is a recently discovered virus and the focus of rapidly evolving research. This document reflects knowledge at the time of writing, and practitioners are encouraged to seek out further consultation for questions regarding clinical cases of EqPV-H.