African Horse Sickness Virus: History, Transmission, and Current Status.

This research article reviews the African horse sickness virus (AHSV), a deadly virus that impacts horses and donkeys. By examining the history, transmission, and current state of the disease, the researchers aim to improve understanding of its epidemiology and control.

Understanding African Horse Sickness Virus

• AHSV is an arbovirus lethal to equids, animals such as horses and donkeys. The virus spreads primarily through biting midges belonging to the Culicoides genus.
• The virus impacts draft, thoroughbred, and companion horses and donkeys in regions spanning from Africa and Asia to Europe.
• The article critically examines the impact of AHSV and discusses studies that aim to enhance understanding of its epidemiology, transmission, and control.

AHSV Transmission: The Main Focus of Research

• Most research conducted focuses on the transmission of AHSV.
• Many studies have indicated both Culicoides and other blood-feeding arthropods as key contributors to the transmission process.
• The article critically reviews these studies to contribute to the understanding and control of the disease.

AHSV: An Epidemic Pathogen and Barrier to Development

• The virus is not only studied as an epidemic pathogen but also in its role as a barrier to development within its endemic range.
• This aspect of the virus has been underrepresented in many studies.
• The article discusses AHSV transmission in South Africa and Senegal in particular to provide more diversity in understanding the threat of the virus.

Detecting, Predicting, and Controlling AHSV Using Entomological Data

• The researchers discuss the practical use of entomological data in detecting, predicting, and controlling AHSV.
• This includes reviewing existing studies on unprecedented outbreaks of bluetongue virus (another arbovirus transmitted by Culicoides) in Europe as a possible reference for predicting and controlling AHSV.