Equine Rotavirus

Equine rotavirus damages the lining of the intestines, inhibiting digestion and absorption of food. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in foals less than six months of age. Foals become infected when they ingest materials or lick surfaces contaminated with infected feces.

Clinical signs of equine rotavirus infection can include diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, reluctance to nurse, and distended abdomens. Infected foals may shed the virus in their feces for up to 10 days, and asymptomatic horses are capable of shedding the virus for up to eight months.

A diagnosis of equine rotavirus is made by virus identification through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays.

To prevent infection, pregnant mares can be vaccinated to increase their foals’ antibodies to the virus.

Sick foals are highly contagious and should be separated from other foals on the property. Staff who handle infected foals should adhere to strict biosecurity protocols. Since the virus can persist in the environment, do not spread manure from infected horses on pastures.