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Frontiers in veterinary science2021; 8; 681354; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.681354

West Nile Virus Seroprevalence in a Selected Donkey Population of Namibia.

Abstract: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus enzootically maintained in birds. However, it can incidentally infect other species, leading to sometimes severe clinical consequences like in horses and especially human beings. Despite the topic relevance, the presence and distribution of WNV are currently unknown in Namibia. Several countries implement surveillance systems based on virus detection in birds, mosquitoes, and vertebrate species including horses. The present study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by serologically evaluating WNV exposure in Namibian donkeys, whose population is remarkably bigger than the horse one. Forty-seven out of 260 sampled animals showed neutralizing antibodies against WNV (18.07% [95% CI = 13.59-23.30%]), demonstrating its circulation in all country territory, although, with apparent regional differences. On the contrary, no association with animal age or sex could be identified. The present study demonstrates the widespread presence of WNV in Namibia as well as the practical utility and effectiveness of donkeys as sentinels for infection surveillance. Due to clinical relevance, vaccination campaigns should be considered for horses of high economic or genetic value. Additionally, the burden of WNV infection on human health should be carefully evaluated.
Copyright © 2021 Molini, Franzo, Nel, Khaiseb, Ntahonshikira, Chiwome, Baines, Madzingira, Monaco, Savini and D'Alterio.
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Publication Date: 2021-06-18 PubMed ID: 34222404PubMed Central: PMC8249584DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.681354Google 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 study investigates the presence and distribution of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in the donkey population of Namibia, finding that the virus is widespread with no link noted to age or sex of the animal. The research also highlights the practical use of donkeys for surveillance of the virus.

Introduction

  • The West Nile Virus (WNV) is transferred by mosquitoes and usually settles in birds but can infect other species too, with severe clinical consequences, particularly in horses and humans.
  • There is currently a knowledge gap about the existence and distribution of WNV in Namibia although other countries have surveillance systems in place that monitor this virus in birds, mosquitoes, and vertebrate species including horses.
  • The study aims to fill these gaps by assessing the presence of WNV in the Namibian donkey population, which is noticeably larger than the horse population in the region.

Methodology

  • 260 donkeys were selected for the study and their samples were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies against WNV.

Study Outcomes

  • Of the animals sampled, 18.07% (or 47 out of 260) showed neutralizing antibodies against WNV, indicating the circulation of this virus in the region with regional variants visible.
  • No relationship was identified between the presence of the virus and the age or sex of the animals.

Implications and Recommendations

  • The research shows that WNV is widespread in Namibia and points out the efficiency and practical use of using donkeys as sentinels for infection surveillance.
  • Given the severe clinical implications of WNV, the study suggests considering vaccination campaigns for horses of high monetary or genetic worth.
  • It also recommends careful evaluation of the burden of WNV infection on human health.

Cite This Article

APA
(2021). West Nile Virus Seroprevalence in a Selected Donkey Population of Namibia. Front Vet Sci, 8, 681354. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.681354

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 8
Pages: 681354
PII: 681354

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
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