Determination of the equine arteritis virus (EAV) genomic sequence was dated back in 1991, and subsequent publications demonstrated the genome organization and transcription replication strategies of this virus similar to those of well-characterized coronaviruses. A new viral classification scheme was adapted to define the Nidovirales order that included the Arteriviridae family. Isolation of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in the early 1990s in Europe and North America was a significant breakthrough for arterivirus research as this virus became one of the most important economic challenges in the swine industry worldwide. Other animal arteriviruses include simian hemorrhagic fever virus (SHFV) in monkeys and the lactate dehydrogenase elevating virus (LDV) in mice.

Original research articles and reviews on any of the animal arteriviruses are welcome. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Virus replication and assembly and other aspects on the molecular biology of arteriviruses
• Biology, virulence, and pathogenesis of arteriviral infections
• Epidemiology
• Evolution, phylogeny, and strain diversity
• Diagnostic tools
• Strategies for vaccination, treatment, and control/surveillance/eradication of the infections

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/bmri/virology/aai/ according to the following timetable: