Outbreak Investigation and Epidemiological Risk Factors Associated with Outbreak of Equine Influenza in Punjab, Pakistan

Paio Khan; Muhammad Hassan Mushtaq; Jameel Ahmed Buzdar; Amjad Khan; Amir Ghafoor Bajwa; Qurat Ul Ain; Ajmal Nisar

doi:10.5455/JRVS.20250817105528

Abstract
Background: Equine influenza is major infectious zoonotic disease and its economic concerns are many folds owing to high morbidity and loss of working capacity of equine population. Unvaccinated and equine reared under poor biosecurity are highly susceptible to infection. Its rapid spread and persistent occurrence since 1963 have included it in the watch list of WHO and OIE.
Methods: To investigate the outbreak and possible risk factors, a cross-sectional study was conducted for the period of one year in the months of possible outbreak of disease. A total number of 102 samples were collected from the target equine population and data regarding associated risk factors was also collected in a predesigned questionnaire. Later on, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) as molecular diagnostic technique a total of eight samples were found positive for the M-gene.
Results: The PCR positive result for the equine influenza virus clearly indicates the prevalence of the EIV in the targeted area. Multiple risk factors were (P<0.05) found significantly associated with occurrence of the disease. This could be due to the lower temperature in the study area which is owing to the Gujrat’s proximity with Northern areas.
Conclusion: The study has established the circulation and presence of the virus in the area. We therefore can declare the presence of the virus in the area and recommend frequent outbreak investigation and recommend surveillance programs such as mass vaccination of both commercial and domestic equines against the EIV to avoid the outbreak. Further, Biosecurity, Quarantine measures and awareness among the farmers are very necessary for elimination of EIV from the equine population.

Key words: Equine Influenza, Risk Factors, Outbreak, Epidemiological, Risk Factors