Equine Viral Arteritis

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is a contagious viral disease of equids. Serological evidence of exposure to the causal agent, equine arteritis virus (EAV), is present in equine populations in many countries. The disease is frequently confused with other illnesses that produce similar clinical signs.

Infection with EAV is highly species-specific and is limited to members of the family Equidae (includes horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras). The majority of EAV infections are inapparent and mortality is rare, especially in healthy adult horses. Young foals, immunocompromised and debilitated horses are at greater risk for severe disease. Clinicopathologic abnormalities may include leukopenia.