E215
Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA)


Causative Agent: EVA is caused by a virus of the Togavirus family.

Clinical Signs: Early on, the infection causes a high fever, lethargy, nasal and eye discharge, and coughing. Some animals experience swelling of the eyelids, limbs, and scrotum. The virus can also cause abortions in mares.

Disease Transmission: The virus is spread by inhalation or intercourse. Stallions are reported to carry the disease in the sperm for months to years at a time.

Diagnosis: If exposure has occurred, a blood sample from a suspect animal will show titers to the virus. Semen samples and swabs of the nose and eye secretions are also useful in diagnosing the disease.

Treatment: There seems to be no specific treatment; however, strict rest, antibiotics, and good nursing care are the best options for management of the infection.

Prevention: Vaccination and sound management practices are the only prevention. See ARVAC vaccine on page C45.

The area outlined by the white triangle indicates the proper location for intramuscular (IM) vaccine injections in the neck.