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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Res Commun / Vectors and vector-borne diseases of horses.
Veterinary research communications2012; 37(1); 65-81; doi: 10.1007/s11259-012-9537-7

Vectors and vector-borne diseases of horses.

Abstract: Most diseases of horses with zoonotic importance are transmitted by arthropods. The vectors belong to two very distantly related groups, the chelicerate Ixodidae (Acari = ticks) and the hexapod Diptera (true flies). Almost all relevant species are predestined for transmitting pathogens by their blood-sucking habits. Especially species of Diptera, one of the megadiverse orders of holometabolan insects (ca. 150.000 spp.), affect the health status and performance of horses during the grazing period in summer. The severity of pathological effect depends on the pathogen, but also on the group of vectors and the intensity of the infection or infestation. Dipteran species but also blood-sucking representatives of Acari (Ixodidae) can damage their hosts by sucking blood, causing myiasis, allergy, paralysis and intoxication, and also transmit various bacterial, viral, parasitic, spirochetal and rickettsial diseases to animals and also humans. The aim of this review was to provide extensive information on the infectious diseases transmitted by members of the two arthropod lineages (Ixodidae, Diptera) and a systematic overview of the vectors. For each taxon, usually on the ordinal, family, and genus level a short characterisation is given, allowing non-entomologists easy identification. Additionally, the biology of the relevant species (or genera) is outlined briefly.
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Publication Date: 2012-09-30 PubMed ID: 23054414DOI: 10.1007/s11259-012-9537-7Google 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.

This research article examines the transmission of horse diseases with zoonotic importance, mainly focusing on those caused by arthropods. The study provides a thorough review of the relevant information regarding these infectious diseases and their transmitting vectors in the groups Ixodidae (ticks) and Diptera (true flies).

Understanding the Vectors and Diseases

  • The research concentrates on diseases in horses transmitted by two main vectors, the Ixodidae and Diptera.
  • The vectors are from two very dissimilar groups – the chelicerate Ixodidae (ticks) and the hexapod Diptera (true flies).
  • These species are primarily responsible for transmitting pathogens due to their blood-sucking habits.
  • Diptera, in particular, which is one of the highly diversified orders of holometabolan insects affects the health and performance of horses especially during the summer grazing period.

The Impact of Pathogens and Infection Intensity

  • The severity of the impact of these diseases on horses depends on the type of pathogen and the level of infection or infestation.
  • Dipteran species and blood-sucking representatives of Acari (Ixodidae) can inflict harm on their hosts in various ways such as sucking blood, causing myiasis, allergy, paralysis and intoxication.
  • Furthermore, these vectors can transmit various diseases to animals and humans, including bacterial, viral, parasitic, spirochetal, and rickettsial diseases.

The Main Objective of the Research

  • The primary aim of this research article is to furnish comprehensive information about the infectious diseases that are transmitted by vectors from the arthropod lineages – Ixodidae and Diptera.
  • This includes a systematic review of these vectors, along with a short characterisation of each taxon generally at the ordinal, family, and genus level to aid easy identification by non-entomologists.
  • The study also briefly outlines the biology of the relevant species or genera.

Cite This Article

APA
Onmaz AC, Beutel RG, Schneeberg K, Pavaloiu AN, Komarek A, van den Hoven R. (2012). Vectors and vector-borne diseases of horses. Vet Res Commun, 37(1), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-012-9537-7

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 1573-7446
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 1
Pages: 65-81

Researcher Affiliations

Onmaz, A C
  • Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey. aconmaz@erciyes.edu.tr
Beutel, R G
    Schneeberg, K
      Pavaloiu, A N
        Komarek, A
          van den Hoven, R

            MeSH Terms

            • Acari / anatomy & histology
            • Acari / classification
            • Acari / physiology
            • Animals
            • Arthropod Vectors / anatomy & histology
            • Arthropod Vectors / classification
            • Arthropod Vectors / physiology
            • Diptera / anatomy & histology
            • Diptera / classification
            • Diptera / physiology
            • Horse Diseases / microbiology
            • Horse Diseases / parasitology
            • Horse Diseases / transmission
            • Horse Diseases / virology
            • Horses

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