Equine Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses are a group of related RNA viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In equids, equine coronavirus has been associated with diarrhea in foals and lethargy, fever, anorexia and occasional gastrointestinal signs in adult horses. The challenge with ECoV infection is recognizing the entity based on clinical and hematological abnormalities and support a diagnosis via molecular detection of coronavirus in feces. There are presently no specific treatment or preventive measures for ECoV infection. While horses appear to be susceptible to the human SARS-CoV-2 based on the high homology to the ACE-2 receptor, they appear to be incidental hosts because of occasional SARS-CoV-2 spillover from humans. However, until more clinical and seroepidemiological data are available, it remains important to monitor equids for possible transmission from humans with clinical or asymptomatic COVID-19.
Source: Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research