Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a betacoronavirus that causes outbreaks of fever, anorexia and lethargy in adult horses, with variable colic and diarrhea. It has been reported from Japan, Europe and the USA since 2010. Most horses recover with little or supportive treatment, but the loss of intestinal barrier function can lead to endotoxemia, septicemia and hyperammonemic encephalopathy, and the practical task is recognizing an outbreak early and containing it.
Key facts
Coronavirus enteritis at a glance- Species and system: horse; small and large intestine. Mainly adults.
- Agent: enveloped RNA virus, Betacoronavirus 1, related to bovine coronavirus.
- Transmission: fecal-oral, through feces-contaminated feed, water and environment.
- Incubation: clinical signs 48 to 72 hours after exposure; fecal shedding starts 3 to 4 days after exposure (Cornell).
- Classic presentation: several adults with fever, anorexia and lethargy and a viral hemogram (leukopenia, neutropenia, lymphopenia).
- Morbidity: reported between 10% and 83% in outbreaks; deaths are rare.
- Season: more cases from October to April.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 3 tables, 3 self-test questions and 8 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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