Abstract:
This paper reports the first serological evidence of exposure of donkeys to equine arteritis virus.
Seven hundred and thirty-four serum samples collected between 1989 and 1992 from donkeys in
different areas of South Africa were examined for the presence of antibodies against this virus by a
microneutralization test Seventeen percent of serum samples tested positive. The distribution of
seropositive animals varied from none in the western Cape Province and the Transvaal Highveld to
30% in the northern Transvaal. The country-wide distribution of serologically positive donkeys
suggests a longstanding presence of the virus in South Africa.
