An attempt to define the host range for African horse sickness virus (Orbivirus, Reoviridae) in east Africa, by a serological survey in some Equidae, Camelidae, Loxodontidae and Carnivore.

The research article is about a study on the host range for the African Horse Sickness Virus in East Africa by conducting a serological survey in equines, camels, elephants, and wild carnivores. The findings reveal that horses, zebras, and elephants have antibodies against the virus but no antibodies were detected in camels, sheep, goats, hyenas, and jackals.

Objective of the Research

• The primary objective of this research was to understand the host range of the African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) in East Africa. This was done by conducting a serological survey in various species including Equidae (equines), Camelidae (camels), Loxodontidae (elephants) and wild carnivores.

Methodology

• The study involved undertaking a survey in horses, zebras, elephants, camels, sheep, goats, and wild carnivores for the antibodies against the nine type strains of the African horse sickness virus.
• Antibodies are produced as an immune response by an organism’s body upon virus invasions and are thus an indication of previous or current virus infection in the body.
• The existence of antibodies against a specific virus means that the organism is a part of the host range for that virus.

Findings

• The research found antibodies to all nine strains of the virus in the horse, zebra and elephant sera. This indicates that these three species fall into the host range of the AHSV and could act as carriers for the virus.
• The findings were negative for the presence of antibodies in the sera of camels, sheep and goats, which implies that these animals may not form part of the virus’s host range in East Africa.
• No antibodies were found in the sera of hyenas and jackals in this specific series of the study. However, it was mentioned that antibodies had been detected in these species in earlier studies. This suggests the need for further research based on a larger sample size and across different geographical areas to conclusively define the host range of AHSV.

Implications of the Study

• Defining the host range for a disease-causing virus has important implications for designing strategies to control and prevent the spread of the disease.
• As antibodies were detected in horses, zebras, and elephants, these species should be given high importance during AHSV prevention and control programs in East Africa.
• The absence of antibodies in camels, sheep, goats, and the tested wild carnivores may reduce the focus on these species in such programs, unless further studies indicate their inclusion in the AHSV host range.
• The inconclusive results about hyenas and jackals highlight the importance of continued research in this arena.