Isolation and characterization of H3N8 equine influenza A virus associated with the 2011 epizootic in Mongolia.

Background: Equine influenza virus (EIV) epizootics affect 2.1 million Mongolian horses approximately every 10 years and critically impact economy and nomadic livelihood of Mongolia.

Objectives: An active surveillance program was established in 2011 to monitor influenza viruses circulating among Mongolian horses.