Inquérito epidemiológico da infecção pelo herpesvírus em equinos no estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

Equine herpesvirus is one of the main viral diseases that causes negative impacts on equidae culture, especially on equine reproduction. This study’s objective to conduct an epidemiological investigation of herpesvirus infection in horses in the micro-region of the Ipojuca Valley, in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A viral seroneutralization was performed in 322 non-vaccinated horses against herpetic infection, from 42 properties of 16 municipalities belonging to the Ipojuca Valley Microregion. An investigated questionnaire was used to analyze the risk factors associated with equine herpesvirus infection. The occurrence of 23.3% (75/322; 95% confidence interval (CI): 18.9 - 28.4%) for herpesvirus infection in horses was observed. In addition, 61.9% (26/42) of the good possessing at least one positive animal, with variation of the occurrence of infection between 5 to 100% inter-herds. (OR: 6.64, 95% CI: 2.66% - 16.58%) and farm type (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.99-3.57) and farms (OR : 2.76, 95% CI: 1.42-5.35). When analyzing reproductive indexes, associate with herpetic infection: a use of reproductive biotechniques with a natural mount (p = 0.003); history of perinatal mortality without herds (p = 0.004); interval between deliveries greater than two years (p = 0.003); and reproductive seasonality, with presence of mares with irregular cycles in the herd (p = 0.041). This is the first record of herpesvirus infection in horses in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. From the results obtained, it is suggested to adopt prophylactic measures directed to the identified risk factors, in order to reduce the occurrence of herpetic infection in the studied region.