Equine herpesvirus 1 and/or 4 in working equids: seroprevalence and risk factors in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 and/or 4 and to identify possible risk factors for the occurrence of the disease. A total 397 working equids sera were examined for the presence of antibodies against equine herpesvirus 1 and/or 4 using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Risk factors associated include geographic location, species, age and sex of equines. The overall sero-prevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 was 71.9% (95% CI: 67-76%). The sero-prevalence of equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 was 50% (95% CI: 22%-78%) in mules, 66.7% (95%CI: 57%-76%) in horses and 74.7% (95%CI: 70%-80%) in donkeys. Variation in prevalence was observed among age groups. The sero-prevalence in older donkeys (more than eight years) was 94.7 % (95%CI: 75%-98%) while in donkeys aged less than three the prevalence was 63.7 % (54%-73%) (p=0.002). In conclusion, this study revealed that the seroprevalence of Equine herpesvirus 1 and/or 4 in North Shewa Zone was high and prevalent. Thus, further epidemiological studies in Ethiopia on equine herpesvirus and implementation of prevention measures are recommended.