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Veterinary and animal science2026; 34; 100782; doi: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100782

Molecular detection of African horse sickness virus from selected areas in Ethiopia.

Abstract: Equines are vital to global economies and support millions of livelihoods. However, their productivity and welfare are severely hindered by infectious diseases such as African Horse Sickness, which causes major socio-economic losses in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 to isolate and detect African horse sickness virus in equines across epidemic areas of Ethiopia. In total, 30 blood samples and 2 tissue representative specimens were aseptically collected from clinically sick and recently dead animals and transported under cold chain to the National Veterinary Institute, Bishoftu. A total of 32 samples were analyzed using conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), targeting the Viral Protein 7 (VP7) gene to amplify segment 7 fragments of all serotypes with serogroup-specific primers. Of these, 7 samples (21.88%) produced 102bp fragments on 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. For serotyping, the 7 PCR-positive samples were further tested by targeting the gene encoding Viral Protein 2 (VP2) with serotype-specific primers, and serotype 9 was identified from tissue samples with a 228bp band. Only tissue samples were cultured on Vero cells, which exhibited cytopathic effects characterized by cell aggregation, rounding, and detachment. In conclusion, African horse sickness caused by serotype 9 severely impacts equines and leads to high mortality in horses. Strategic disease control through vaccination is essential, and further studies are needed to assess outbreak potential and conduct genotypic characterization of the virus in both equines and insect vectors.
© 2026 The Authors.
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Publication Date: 2026-07-24 PubMed ID: 42569661PubMed Central: PMC13450614DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2026.100782Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Molecular methods were used to detect and identify African horse sickness virus (AHSV) in horses and donkeys from epidemic areas in Ethiopia, revealing the presence of serotype 9 responsible for severe disease and mortality. This highlights the need for targeted vaccination and further research to control outbreaks effectively.

Background and Importance of Study

  • Equines (horses, donkeys, mules) play a crucial role in global economies and local livelihoods.
  • African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a viral disease that severely affects equine health, productivity, and welfare.
  • In Ethiopia, AHS causes major socio-economic losses due to high mortality rates among infected equines.
  • Detecting and identifying circulating virus strains is essential for effective disease control and vaccination strategies.

Study Design and Sample Collection

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 targeting known AHS epidemic areas in Ethiopia.
  • A total of 32 samples were collected aseptically—30 blood samples from clinically sick animals and 2 tissue samples from recently dead equines.
  • Samples were transported under cold conditions to the National Veterinary Institute in Bishoftu for molecular analysis.

Molecular Detection Methods

  • Conventional Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect AHSV.
  • The assay targeted the Viral Protein 7 (VP7) gene, which is conserved across all AHSV serotypes, allowing broad detection.
  • Out of 32 samples, 7 (21.88%) tested positive, showing a specific 102 base pair (bp) fragment on agarose gel electrophoresis.

Serotyping of Virus

  • The 7 RT-PCR positive samples underwent further testing targeting the Viral Protein 2 (VP2) gene.
  • VP2 is responsible for serotype specificity, enabling identification of virus serotypes.
  • Serotype-specific primers identified serotype 9 from tissue samples, indicated by a 228bp PCR product.

Virus Isolation and Cytopathic Effects

  • Only tissue samples were cultured in Vero cells (a type of cell line commonly used for virus culture).
  • The cultured cells showed characteristic cytopathic effects (CPE) such as cell aggregation, rounding, and detachment, confirming active viral infection.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The study confirms that African horse sickness caused by serotype 9 is circulating in Ethiopia and causing severe disease with high horse mortality.
  • Strategic control measures, especially vaccination against serotype 9, are urgently needed to reduce the impact on equine populations.
  • Further research is recommended to:
    • Assess the outbreak potential of AHSV in different regions and equine species.
    • Perform genotypic characterization of circulating viral strains for better understanding of virus diversity.
    • Investigate insect vectors involved in transmission to improve vector control strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Esey DF, Waktole H, Gelaye E, Alene DH, Minale HA. (2026). Molecular detection of African horse sickness virus from selected areas in Ethiopia. Vet Anim Sci, 34, 100782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2026.100782

Publication

Veterinary and animal science
ISSN: 2451-943X
NlmUniqueID: 101694897
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 34
Pages: 100782
PII: 100782

Researcher Affiliations

Esey, Degu Fhetanegest
  • Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia.
Waktole, Hika
  • College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
Gelaye, Esayas
  • Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Alene, Dessalew Habte
  • Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Minale, Habtamu Addis
  • Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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