The Influenza virus type A, subtype H3N8, is the etiological agent of the Equine Influenza, responsible for several epidemics and endemic respiratory diseases in world level, besides in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the role of errant equids, as infectious sources of the Influenza virus, subtype H3N8. The survey was performed from the research of specific antibodies for this virus in 1106 sera analyzed by the inhibition of the hemagglutination test. The high percentile (35,9%) of seropositive animals found in this study evidenced its importance as infectious sources of the Influenza virus, subtype H3N8, to the national equine flock.
equids; influenza; H3N8; serology
