The detection and phylogenetic analysis of equine herpesviruses 1, 4 and 5 identified in nasal swab samples of asymptomatic horses from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Nasal swabs originating from 112 apparently clinically healthy and unvaccinated horses of different age, breed and from diverse rearing conditions from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were examined for the presence of equine herpesviruses 1, 4 and 5 using multiplex nested PCR (Mn‑PCR) and virus isolation. The detected viruses were subsequently characterised by gB gene nucleotide sequencing and their phylogenetic analysis was performed. The infections with EHV‑1, EHV‑4, and EHV‑5 in the examined horse populations are apparently chronic, subclinical and persistent, whilst the shedding of EHV‑1 and EHV‑5 was confirmed by their successful isolation.