Nationwide serological survey of equine influenza in Nigeria.

This research investigates the prevalence of equine influenza in Nigeria’s horse and donkey population, with the findings revealing the presence of the virus across all parts of the country.

Research Objective

• The primary goal of this study was to determine the incidence of equine influenza viruses in horses and donkeys in Nigeria, a tropical region where cases of this virus have recently been reported for the first time.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a serological survey, screening samples taken from Nigerian horses and donkeys between 1990 and 1993. The measures included a haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and ELISA – two common serological tests used to detect antibodies in the blood.
• They used a monoclonal antibody specific to a prototype strain of the H3 equine influenza virus, A/equine/Miami/1/63, to test the samples. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies, enabling researchers to simulate an immune response to certain infectious agents.
• The results from Nigeria were then compared with samples from horses in Western Europe, specifically Ireland.

Findings

• The findings revealed the presence of equine influenza in horses and donkeys in all regions of Nigeria examined in the study. This indicates a high prevalence of the virus throughout the country, regardless of geographic location.
• Earlier reports of equine influenza virus in this region have now been backed by this comprehensive study, confirming the presence and spread of the virus.
• The findings are essential in understanding the health and wellbeing of equines in tropical regions, and this knowledge can help in implementing strategies for better control and prevention of equine influenza outbreak in these areas.