Andreia Chirila

West Nile virus (WNV) circulates endemically in Romania, yet prevention of WNV infection in horses largely depends on owner-driven decisions that require accurate risk perception and veterinary guidance. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out between May and November 2025 to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) regarding WNV among 227 horse owners from various Romanian regions. In total, 67.4% of respondents had previously heard of WNV. The main transmission route was correctly identified as mosquito bites by 49.8% of participants, while 32.2% answered “don’t know” or presented misconceptions: horse-to-horse contact (9.3%), tick bites (10.6%) and blood transfusion (0.4%). Recognition of clinical signs was limited, with fever (31.3% of respondents) and gait abnormalities or ataxia (24.7% of respondents) being most frequently mentioned, followed by inappetence (19.4% of respondents), seizures (18.1% of respondents), coughing (8.8% of respondents), and abortions (10.6% of respondents); 47.6% of respondents were unable to identify any specific signs. Awareness of the existence of an equine WNV vaccine was reported by 23.8% of respondents, while only 4.0% indicated that their horses had been vaccinated. The most common preventive measures included the use of insecticides in stables (61.2%) and topical repellents on horses (55.5%), whereas environmental control actions such as removing standing water (14.1%) or avoiding swampy areas (11.9%) were less frequent; 19.4% reported taking no preventive measures. Veterinary communication was limited, with only 17.2% of respondents having received information about WNV from a veterinarian, and 21.6% perceiving a real risk of infection in Romania. Overall, the data show a marked disconnect between awareness and actionable prevention (particularly vaccination and environmental mosquito control), indicating that targeted owner education must be paired with structured veterinary communication to translate knowledge into preventive uptake in endemic settings.

Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease of equids caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, characterized by suppurative lymphadenitis of the submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes and, in severe cases, by life-threatening upper airway obstruction. This case report describes the successful field management of a 4-month-old foal presenting with acute dyspnea, inspiratory stridor, and extensive cervical swelling consistent with strangles. As the owner declined referral to a veterinary hospital, a temporary tracheostomy was performed on-site under field conditions to re-establish airway patency. Postoperative management included systemic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy, daily local wound care, and drainage of the abscess cavity. The foal showed rapid clinical improvement following the procedure, with complete healing within four weeks. This case demonstrates that, when performed under strict aseptic conditions and accompanied by appropriate medical management and postoperative monitoring, emergency airway surgery for obstructive strangles can be successfully and safely performed in field settings where hospitalization is not feasible.

A 6-year-old Lipizzaner gelding used for carriage work was referred to the Equine Clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timișoara, with penile swelling and ulcerative lesions unresponsive to five days of empirical treatment. Clinical examination identified a dorsal hematoma and circumferential ulcerative–necrotic lesions of the distal penile shaft and glans. The horse was sedated for drainage and local care. Approximately 100 mL of coagulated blood was aspirated, followed by irrigation, compression, and controlled retraction of the penis into the sheath. To maintain retraction and protect the healing tissue, a simple custom-made support device was constructed from a modified Duphaflyte® bottle, cotton padding, cohesive bandage, and transrectal gloves. Systemic therapy with penicillin–streptomycin and flunixin meglumine was administered for five days, while local treatment included cold-water hydrotherapy, heparin gel, diclofenac cream, and polyfloral honey. Progressive improvement was noted, with complete epithelialization and full functional recovery achieved within three weeks. This case demonstrates that conservative management combining timely drainage, consistent local care, and mechanical support can ensure excellent outcomes in penile trauma when vascular integrity is preserved. The successful use of an improvised Duphaflyte-based support device highlights the value of practical innovation and adaptability in equine clinical practice.

Photosensitization is a phototoxic skin disorder caused by interaction between ultraviolet (UV) light and photodynamic compounds present in or accumulated within the skin. This report describes a six-year-old Gypsy mare raised under extensive grazing conditions in northwestern Romania that developed erythematous and crusted lesions on the muzzle and perivulvar regions during early summer. The mare was observed grazing on Hypericum perforatum and Trifolium spp., both plants known to contain photodynamic substances capable of inducing either primary or hepatogenous photosensitization. No systemic abnormalities were noted. Hematology and serum biochemistry revealed only mild elevations in hepatic enzymes, consistent with a transient hepatocellular response. Based on clinical presentation, lesion distribution, and confirmed ingestion of photodynamic plants, a diagnosis of plant-associated photosensitization (probable mixed-type) was established. The mare was treated with topical zinc oxide cream (Sudocrem®) and a UV-protective lotion (Effol Skin Lotion Sun Protection®, Schwan-Stabilo, Germany), achieving full healing within seven days. Continued photoprotection prevented recurrence during the summer. This case underscores the risk of plant-induced photosensitization in horses with unpigmented skin grazing under intense sunlight and demonstrates the efficacy of early local management.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne zoonosis with recurrent equine and human cases in Romania. Horses, although dead-end hosts, act as sentinels for local viral circulation. Farm-level risk conditions remain under-characterized. This pilot, exploratory cross-sectional study assessed 42 equine facilities in western Romania (2024). A standardized 10-item checklist was applied and a Composite Environmental Risk Score (CERS) (0–10, unweighted) was computed per facility. Spatial analysis in QGIS included distances to nearby water bodies. No serological or entomological data were collected; these are recommended for future validation. Stagnant water occurred at 71.4% (30/42) of facilities, uncovered rain-collecting containers at 64.3% (27/42), and outdoor housing of horses at 81.0% (34/42). Insect screens were present at 21.4% (9/42) and chemical/biological control at 33.3% (14/42). By design, the CERS ranged from 0 to 10; in our sample the observed range was 0–8 because not all assessed risk conditions co-occurred across sites. Overall, 42.9% (18/42) were classified as high risk (≥6). Neurological signs were reported anecdotally by some managers but were not analyzed. Mosquito-favorable conditions are widespread in Romanian equine facilities. CERS shows promise as a low-cost, rapid tool for routine facility-level assessment of environmental conditions favoring mosquito presence and prioritization of preventive actions. Integrating environmental risk scoring with entomological and serological surveillance could strengthen One Health early-warning systems. Such integration would support prevention of WNV and other mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogens in endemic European settings.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the seroprevalence and clinical impact of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in horses from three ecologically high-risk counties in western Romania (Timiș, Arad, and Bihor) between 2023 and 2025. A total of 306 unvaccinated horses were tested using a commercial ELISA, with 8.17% testing positive for WNV antibodies, indicating prior exposure. Passive surveillance for clinical signs during mosquito seasons identified 16 horses with acute neurological symptoms, four of which were confirmed as clinical cases based on WNV-specific IgM positivity, suggesting probable silent WNV circulation in the region. The overall case fatality rate among confirmed clinical cases was 25.0%. WNV seropositivity was highest in Bihor (8.85%), followed by Arad (8.57%) and Timiș (7.32%). Statistical comparisons using χ² tests and binary logistic regression indicated no significant differences in seroprevalence between counties, sexes, or age groups, consistent with the overlapping 95% confidence intervals. These findings suggest the continued silent circulation of WNV in the region and support the integration of equine surveillance into the One Health framework as a potential tool for early detection and risk mitigation. However, in the absence of molecular confirmation (e.g., RT-PCR or virus isolation), these results should be interpreted as indicative of prior exposure rather than direct evidence of ongoing viral activity.

A 5-year-old multiparous Ardennais mare was presented with severe uterine rupture and subsequent intestinal evisceration following unassisted parturition. The mare exhibited signs of colic and systemic shock shortly after foaling. Clinical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnea, pale mucous membranes, cold extremities, and diminished intestinal sounds, indicating severe circulatory collapse. Abdominocentesis confirmed septic peritonitis, with extensive abdominal contamination due to intestinal content leakage. Despite intensive medical management, the mare’s condition deteriorated, and the prognosis was considered poor due to the severity of the contamination and the extent of the injury. Euthanasia was elected as the most humane course of action. This case highlights the importance of prompt veterinary intervention in equine post-partum emergencies and underscores the life-threatening risks associated with unassisted parturition. Prompt recognition and timely intervention are essential to improve prognosis in similar cases.

Failure of passive transfer in neonatal foals constitutes a frequent and clinically significant emergency, predisposing affected individuals to an increased risk of systemic infections and mortality. This case series presents the clinical management of five neonatal foals diagnosed with FPT and treated with locally sourced hyperimmune plasma at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Life Sciences "King Michael I" of Timișoara (ULST), between 2024 and 2025. Serum IgG concentrations, assessed using a commercial rapid test, were below the protective threshold in all cases. All foals received hyperimmune plasma, either enterally or intravenously, depending on age and clinical status. Three foals exhibited signs of neonatal septic shock and therefore required intensive supportive care. Follow-up IgG testing confirmed adequate passive transfer in four foals after a single administration, while one required a second dose. All cases evolved favorably from a clinical standpoint, with follow-up conducted up to six months of age. This report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in FPT, the therapeutic value of plasma transfusion, and the role of individualized care strategies. The findings support the feasibility and efficacy of this approach in equine neonatal practice, particularly in academic veterinary hospital settings.