Distribution of Antibody Titers to Japanese Encephalitis, Getah and Equine Influenza Viruses in Racehorses at the Utsunomiya Racecourse

Abstract

We surveyed the distribution o f antibodies to Japanese encephalitis, Getah and equine influenza viruses in racehorses at the Utsunomiya Racecourse. The racehorses have been annually inoculated with vaccines against these infectious diseases. I t was confirmed that most racehorses possessed sufficiently high antibody levels to prevent Japanese encephalitis and Getah virus infection during the epidemic season. Among 2- and 3-year-old horses not yet inoculated annual equine influenza vaccine, antibody titers to equine influenza viruses were distinctly low. On the other hand, horses older than 4 years had relatively high antibody titers.