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Transboundary and emerging diseases2020; 67(5); 1764-1767; doi: 10.1111/tbed.13701

Outbreak of African horse sickness in Thailand, 2020.

Abstract: African horse sickness was confirmed in horses in Thailand during March 2020. The virus was determined to belong to serotype 1 and is phylogenetically closely related to isolates from South Africa. This is the first incidence of African horse sickness occurring in South East Asia and of serotype 1 outside of Africa.
© 2020 The Authors. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2020-07-15 PubMed ID: 32593205DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13701Google 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.

The research article elaborates on the outbreak of African horse sickness, a severe and often fatal disease in horses, in Thailand in March 2020. The identified virus was found to be closely related to isolates from South Africa, and it marked the first instance of this disease occurring in South East Asia, and the first occurrence of the serotype 1 outside of Africa.

Context and Significance of the Research

  • This research is significant because it identifies and records the first outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) in Thailand, and by extension, in South East Asia.
  • It further signifies the first detection of the serotype 1 of the AHS virus outside Africa, linking it to be closely related to isolates from South Africa.
  • African horse sickness is a highly infectious and lethal disease that could decimate horse populations and severely affect related industries and livelihoods. Thus, the study of its propagation presents a critical subject in veterinary science and public health.

Key Findings of the Research

  • The researchers concluded that the AHS virus detected in horses in Thailand in March 2020 belongs to serotype 1, marking an extension of the disease beyond the usual geographic constraints (Africa).
  • Through phylogenetic analysis, the virus was found to be closely related to isolates from South Africa, suggesting sources or transmission routes of the disease.

Implications of the Research

  • The identification of AHS and its serotype in Thailand could lead to better prevention and control strategies for the disease. This could include improved vaccines developed for this specific serotype and educational programs for the local horse industry on how to prevent the spread of the disease.
  • The research could be significant for disease surveillance systems, helping the authorities manage outbreaks better via early detection and response strategies.
  • The finding that the AHS virus in Thailand is closely related to isolates from South Africa could help trace the origins and spread of the disease, providing vital information for controlling and preventing future outbreaks.

Cite This Article

APA
King S, Rajko-Nenow P, Ashby M, Frost L, Carpenter S, Batten C. (2020). Outbreak of African horse sickness in Thailand, 2020. Transbound Emerg Dis, 67(5), 1764-1767. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13701

Publication

Transboundary and emerging diseases
ISSN: 1865-1682
NlmUniqueID: 101319538
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 67
Issue: 5
Pages: 1764-1767

Researcher Affiliations

King, Simon
  • The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK.
Rajko-Nenow, Paulina
  • The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK.
Ashby, Martin
  • The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK.
Frost, Lorraine
  • The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK.
Carpenter, Simon
  • The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK.
Batten, Carrie
  • The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, UK.

Grant Funding

  • BBS/E/I/00007033 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
  • BBS/E/I/00007036 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
  • BBS/E/I/00007037 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

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