Study on risk factors and serologic prevalence of antibodies against equine influenza virus in the south of Iran.

Six hundred horse serum samples were analyzed for equine influenza virus-specific antibodies using competitive ELISA in Fars Province (south of Iran) (2011-2012). In our study, 2.5 % of horses had a positive reaction which was proved to be due to natural exposure to equine influenza virus. Of the horses, 1.94 % were positive in autumn and 5.47 % were positive in winter. No significant difference was found among the prevalences of the disease in different breeds. It was concluded that the seroprevalence of equine influenza is quite low in the south of Iran. In view of no vaccination coverage for equine influenza in the country, the necessity of surveillance should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]