Effect of season and geographic location in the United States on detection of potential enteric pathogens or toxin genes in horses ≥6-mo-old.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of season and geographic location on detection of nucleic acids of potential enteric pathogens (PEPs) or their toxins (PEP-Ts) in feces of horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States. Results of 3,343 equine diarrhea PCR panels submitted to Idexx Laboratories for horses >6-mo-old were reviewed. Submission months were grouped into 4 seasons, and states were grouped into 4 geographic regions. Logistic regression was performed to assess effects of season and region on detection rates of PEPs and PEP-Ts. Agresti-Coull CIs were determined. Detection rate ofwas higher in the South in summer compared to all other regions, and was also higher in the South in fall compared to the Midwest and Northeast. Thedetection rate was lower during summer in the West and higher in fall in the Midwest. Detection ofspp. was lower during spring, summer, and winter in the West. Differences were not identified for detection rates of,,,, equine rotavirus, and equine coronavirus. Overall, our data support seasonal and regional differences in detection rates of,, andspp. in horses ≥6-mo-old in the United States.