Equine rhinitis viruses, ERV, are small, non-enveloped RNA viruses belonging to the Picornaviridae family, shown to be capable of causing disease in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts of equids.
In the 1960s, clinical presentation and some virological features mistakenly led to its inclusion in the Rhinovirus genus. By the 1990s, molecular studies confirmed two different forms: equine rhinitis A virus, ERAV, now grouped with aphthoviruses, and equine rhinitis B virus, ERBV, placed in its own genus, Erbovirus.
Clinically, these viruses are indistinguishable from other respiratory pathogens, showing signs that overlap with equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, and other common respiratory agents. For this reason, diagnostics are critical to confirm the presence of ERV.
The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, TVMDL, offers detection of ERAV and ERBV by real time PCR. This service makes TVMDL one of the few labs offering accurate, timely detection of these often-overlooked pathogens.
Prevalence of ERV
ERAV and ERBV’s contribution to equine respiratory disease has historically been underestimated, but ongoing surveillance shows that they remain widespread and clinically relevant. Although a substantial proportion of horses are exposed to these viruses, infections are infrequently diagnosed. Antibody-based assays highlight seroprevalence ranging from 20% to 90%, and outbreak investigations and experimental infection studies indicate that ERAV and ERBV may be significant respiratory pathogens affecting equine species.
The importance of diagnostic testing
Currently, no commercial vaccines exist for either virus, making diagnostics the cornerstone of prevention and management. Older methods, such as virus isolation, are often slower and less sensitive than PCR testing, which TVMDL offers for ERAV and ERBV. This method provides veterinarians with a highly sensitive, rapid, and accurate tool to identify these pathogens in clinical samples.
Partnering with TVMDL
As equine practitioners are faced with complex respiratory cases, confidence in diagnostics is essential. TVMDL offers veterinarians reliable PCR testing for ERV, backed by expert interpretation.
With no vaccines available and overlapping clinical signs, laboratory confirmation remains the most effective way to identify ERAV and ERBV. Together with veterinarians, TVMDL helps protect equine health from these widespread viral infections.
For more information on TVMDL’s testing options visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call the College Station laboratory at 1.888.646.5623 or the Canyon laboratory at 1.888.646.5624.
