[Various aspects of horse sickness].

The research article explores different aspects of African horse sickness, with a focus on its cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and control. It particularly emphasizes on how the disease was introduced in Spain and its impact on the global horse trade.

Aetiology of African Horse Sickness

• The section on aetiology discusses the root causes of African horse sickness. This is a viral disease affecting horses, mules, and donkeys. The virus is known to be transmitted via certain species of Culicoides midges.

Symptoms of African Horse Sickness

• The article sheds light on the general symptoms of this disease. Typically, affected horses face problems like fever, cough, nasal discharge, breathing problems, and swelling of the head and eyes. In severe cases, mortality rates can be quite high.

Diagnosis of African Horse Sickness

• The research discusses numerous methods for diagnosing African horse sickness. The common diagnostic procedure requires the collection and analysis of blood and post-mortem samples. Examination of the clinical signs, coupled with laboratory tests, helps in confirming the presence of this virus.

Control of African Horse Sickness

• The control section outlines the recommended methods to prevent the spread of this disease. A combination of vaccination, vector control, and movement restrictions of affected animals are generally adopted to manage the disease.

Introduction and Epizootiology of the Disease in Spain

• Attention is specifically given to the introduction of the disease in Spain. The various epizootiological features such as the geographical spread, the susceptible animal populations, and the time and pattern of spread are discussed here.

Consequences for International Horse Trade

• The final section of the research deals with the implications of the disease on international horse trade. African horse sickness has a significant impact on the global horse trade due to the strict regulations and controls necessitated to prevent its global spread. These include restrictions related to the export of live horses from the affected countries.