as the natural host. Epidemiology ERBV's appear to infect most foals and weanlings, eliciting a low serum antibody response in stark contrast to equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV), which is the only species of the genus Aphthovirus that is not a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), and appears to only infect horses once they begin training for racing (approx. 2 years old). ERAV enters the blood and elicits a very high serum antibody response that seems to then limit the spread of the virus by herd immunity, given that only approximately 40% of horses have detectable ERAV antibody. The low serum antibody response of ERBV appears to allow the continual, seasonal re-infection of horses. Horses are also known to shed ERBV for up to two years, possibly more. See also Acid-stable equine picornavirus References External links Viralzone: Erbovirus ICTV Horse diseases Picornaviridae Animal viral diseases Virus genera