African horse sickness.
Abstract: AHS is a noncontagious vector-borne disease of Equidae caused by Orbiviruses. Species susceptibility in decreasing order is horses, mules, donkeys, and zebras. The main vectors of AHS are culicoides. The disease is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, but epizootics have occurred outside of this area on several occasions. The most recent outbreaks outside of the endemic area were in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal between 1987 and 1990. AHS causes mortality up to 95% and is classically divided into four clinical forms: the pulmonary, cardiac, mixed, and horse fever forms. Pathologic changes are subcutaneous and intermuscular edema and lung edema. The most consistent clinical signs include fever, nonpurulent conjunctivitis, and increased respiratory rate. Prevention and control measures include quarantines, control of insects, and vaccination. There is no treatment for AHS. Neurotropic strains of AHSV may cause retinitis and encephalitis in humans.
Publication Date: 1993-08-01 PubMed ID: 8358648DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30402-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
- African Horse Sickness
- Culicoides
- Diagnosis
- Disease control
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Disease Management
- Disease Outbreaks
- Disease Surveillance
- Disease Transmission
- Disease Treatment
- Epidemiology
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Infectious Disease
- Prophylaxis
- Public Health
- Serotypes
- Vector-borne disease
- Veterinary Medicine
- Virus
Summary
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This research article investigates African horse sickness, a disease that primarily affects horses in sub-Saharan Africa, its patterns of spread, and its potential for eruption in new areas such as North Africa and Europe. It also provides insights on its epidemiology, surveillance, and prophylaxis measures.
Epidemiology of African Horse Sickness
- The study discusses African horse sickness (AHS), a severe disease affecting equids. This sickness is caused by a virus called the African horse sickness virus (AHSV), categorized under the Orbivirus genus, within the Reoviridae family.
- The disease is primarily prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and is considered a significant health concern for horses in this region.
- The frequency and expanse of AHS outbreaks have been amplified due to the trade of infected equids, leading to considerable epidemics in the Mediterranean region, notably in North Africa and southern Europe.
Potential AHSV Spread
- The research highlights fears around the potential spread of AHS due to the emergence of a related virus, the bluetongue virus, in northern Europe in 2006.
- The presence of AHSV vectors, specifically Culicoides midges, in AHSV-free regions in Europe, increases the risk of the disease being introduced in these areas.
- North African and European countries, particularly those with the presence of AHSV vectors, are warned to brace themselves against AHSV incursions in future.
Recent Serotype Movements
- The article also notes the recent geographical spread of different AHSV serotypes. Traditionally, only serotype 9 of the virus was found in western and eastern African countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Gambia, and Ethiopia.
- However, there has been a recent northward movement of serotypes 2 and 7 into these areas, indicating changes in the regional distribution of AHSV.
Research Methodology and Conclusion
- The researchers provide a review of crucial elements of AHS, including its epidemiology, surveillance mechanisms, and measures of prophylaxis.
- This research could have far-reaching implications for preventing the spread of AHS and preparing for potential outbreaks in new regions, thus safeguarding equid health and trade.
Cite This Article
APA
House JA.
(1993).
African horse sickness.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 9(2), 355-364.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30402-9 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Greenport, New York.
MeSH Terms
- African Horse Sickness / diagnosis
- African Horse Sickness / epidemiology
- African Horse Sickness / prevention & control
- African Horse Sickness Virus / isolation & purification
- Animals
- Ceratopogonidae / microbiology
- Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
- Horses
- Humans
- Insect Vectors / microbiology
- Perissodactyla
References
This article includes 53 references
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Ma X, Zhang M, Zhang X, Qi T, Zhang W, Zhao Y, Na L, Zhang Y, Wang XF, Wang X. Construction and Immunogenicity Evaluation of a Recombinant Fowlpox Virus Expressing VP2 Gene of African Horse Sickness Virus Serotype 1. Microorganisms 2025 Dec 9;13(12).
- Calvo-Pinilla E, Jiménez-Cabello L, Utrilla-Trigo S, Illescas-Amo M, Ortego J. Cytokine mRNA Expression Profile in Target Organs of IFNAR (-/-) Mice Infected with African Horse Sickness Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2024 Feb 8;25(4).
- Serroni A, Traini S, Iorio M, Mangone I, Di Gialleonardo L, Molini U, Khaiseb S, Mercante MT, Di Ventura M, Caporale M. Whole-Genome Sequence and Assembly of Eight Africa Horse Sickness Virus Strains Collected in Namibia and South Africa. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023 Apr 18;12(4):e0103422.
- Marín-Lopez A, Calvo-Pinilla E, Moreno S, Utrilla-Trigo S, Nogales A, Brun A, Fikrig E, Ortego J. Modeling Arboviral Infection in Mice Lacking the Interferon Alpha/Beta Receptor. Viruses 2019 Jan 8;11(1).
- Zwart L, Potgieter CA, Clift SJ, van Staden V. Characterising Non-Structural Protein NS4 of African Horse Sickness Virus. PLoS One 2015;10(4):e0124281.
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