Frequency of molecular detection of equine coronavirus in faeces and nasal secretions in 277 horses with acute onset of fever.

Context: Due to the inconsistent development of enteric signs associated with ECoV infection in adult horses, many practitioners collect nasal secretions rather than feces for the molecular diagnostic work-up of such horses.

Main Conclusion: ECoV infection should be considered in horses presenting with acute onset of fever, especially when nasal discharge is absent as one of the cardinal clinical sign.

Approach: A total of 277 adult horses with acute onset of fever were enrolled in this study.