Strain impact on equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) abortion models: Viral loads in fetal and placental tissues and foals

► We develop an EHV-1 abortion model. ► We compare a contemporary EHV-1 strain with a strain classically resulting in abortions. ► We quantified viral loads in maternal and fetal tissues following abortion/delivery. ► Infection with the contemporary strain results in 1/7 abortion compared to 5/7 abortions with Ab4. ► We detect high viral loads in fetal and placental tissues of abortions and placentas of normal foals.