Equine Influenza: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Strategies for Prevention and Control.

Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology. Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma. Rome, Italy.
Center for Digital Health. Medical Science Research Institute. Kyung Hee University Medical Center. Kyung Hee University College of Medicine. Seoul, Republic of Korea. / Department of Regulatory Science. Kyung Hee University. Seoul, Republic of Korea. / Department of Pediatrics. Kyung Hee University College of Medicine. 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases. University of Rome Sapienza. Rome, Italy. / Hospital of Tropical Diseases. Mahidol University. Bangkok, Thailand.
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases. University of Rome Sapienza. Rome, Italy. / Hospital of Tropical Diseases. Mahidol University. Bangkok, Thailand.
Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health. Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma. Rome, Italy. / Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Rene Rachou. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
Department of Biomedical Sciences. University of Sassari. Sassari, Italy.
Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology. Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma. Rome, Italy.
Department of Biomedical Sciences. University of Sassari. Sassari, Italy.
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases. University of Rome Sapienza. Rome, Italy. / Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Umberto I. Rome, Italy. / Migrant and Global Health Research Organization-Mi-Hero. Rome, Italy.

Abstract

Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the equine influenza virus (EIV), posing a significant threat to equine populations worldwide. EIV exhibits considerable antigenic variability due to its segmented genome, complicating long-term disease control efforts. Although infections are rarely fatal, EIV's high transmissibility results in widespread outbreaks, leading to substantial morbidity and considerable economic impacts on veterinary care, quarantine, and equestrian activities. The H3N8 subtype has undergone significant antigenic evolution, resulting in the emergence of distinct lineages, including Eurasian and American, with the Florida sublineage being particularly prevalent. Continuous genetic surveillance and regular updates to vaccine formulations are necessary to address antigenic drift and maintain vaccination efficacy. Additionally, rare cross-species transmissions have raised concerns regarding the zoonotic potential of EIV. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of EI, emphasizing vaccination strategies and addressing the socio-economic consequences of the disease in regions where the equine industry is vital.

Keywords

H3N8 subtype
Biosecurity measures
Cross-species transmission
Epidemiology of equine diseases
Equine influenza
Genetic surveillance
One health
Vaccination strategies

Publisher

MDPI

Citation

BRANDA, Francesco et al. Equine Influenza: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Strategies for Prevention and Control. Viruses, v. 17, n. 3, 302, 2025.

DOI

10.3390/v17030302

ISSN

1999-4915

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.arca.fiocruz.br/handle/icict/69550

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Open access

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