The aim of this study was to investigate the seroepidemiology of equine influenza infection in Turkey, measured using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Serum samples were obtained from 623 equids aged older than 4 years from 5 different geographical regions in Turkey during the years 2003-2005. Antibodies against equine influenza virus (EIV) were found in 194 (31.1%) of the 623 sera. Seropositivity rates were detected as 41.8% (171/409), 12.8% (11/86), and 9.4% (12/128) in horses, mules, and donkeys, respectively. The data revealed that EIV circulates in Turkey at a relatively high rate. Differences in seropositivity rates in Equidae from different geographical regions probably reflect regional differences in their economic uses.

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroepidemiology of equine influenza infection in Turkey, measured using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Serum samples were obtained from 623 equids aged older than 4 years from 5 different geographical regions in Turkey during the years 2003-2005. Antibodies against equine influenza virus (EIV) were found in 194 (31.1%) of the 623 sera. Seropositivity rates were detected as 41.8% (171/409), 12.8% (11/86), and 9.4% (12/128) in horses, mules, and donkeys, respectively. The data revealed that EIV circulates in Turkey at a relatively high rate. Differences in seropositivity rates in Equidae from different geographical regions probably reflect regional differences in their economic uses.