First Reported Circulation of Equine Influenza H3N8 Florida Clade 1 Virus in Horses in Italy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious viral disease of equids characterized by pyrexia and respiratory signs. Like other influenza A viruses, antigenic drift or shift could lead to a vaccine-induced immunity breakdown if vaccine strains are not updated. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize EIV strains circulating in Italy, detected in PCR-positive samples collected from suspected cases, especially in the absence of formal active surveillance.

Methods

Between February and April 2019, blood samples and nasal swabs collected from each of the 20 symptomatic horses from North and Central Italy were submitted to the National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases in Italy to confirm preliminary analysis performed by other laboratories.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Ricci I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10886299 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature