The University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center has developed a novel test to ascertain the likelihood of a long-term equine arteritis virus carrier state in stallions.
Gluck faculty members Professor Udeni Balsuriya, Professor Ernie Bailey and Peter Timoney developed the test to determine the genetic basis of a specific haplotype, a group of genes inherited from one parent. The test also indicates which horses have the susceptible haploptype and therefore are at higher risk for becoming carriers if infected by EAV. In these cases, the risk of infection and becoming a carrier can be prevented through vaccination and management.
Outbreaks of equine viral arteritis lead to pregnancy loss in mares, death in young foals and establishment of the carrier state in stallions, which could result in significant negative economic impact.
“It is gratifying to see how Drs. Balsuriya and Bailey's work has led not only to a better understanding of the nature of persistence of this important disease, but also to a test that can help identify those animals at risk for persistent infection,” said David Horohov, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Gluck Center.
The test, which costs $100, can be done from a mane or tail sample. More information, including a submission form, is available at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/gluck/AGTRL.asp.
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