Prevalence of antibodies against some equine viruses in zebra (Zebra burchelli) in the Kruger National Park, 1991-1992

Abstract

The presence of antibodies against equine encephalosis virus (EEV) and equid herpesvirus 1 and 4 in zebra in the Kruger National Park (KNP) was demonstrated. The ability of zebra to maintain immunity against EEV is illustrated by the appearance of neutralizing antibodies in most zebra foals within months of losing their maternal immunity. This occurs in every month of the year, even in winter. The high proportion of serologically positive foals in winter is ascribed to the presence of large numbers of susceptible foals and sufficient numbers of Culicoides vectors even at that time of the year. The high prevalence of antibodies against both herpesviruses is similar to the situation in horses and suggests that herpesvirus infection is endemic among zebra in the KNP. No evidence of infection with either A/equine/H3N8 or equine arteritisvirus could be found.