Schmallenberg virus exposure in camels and donkeys: Potential reservoirs for trans-border spread in the Nigeria-Sahel region.
Authors: Adikwu Alex A, Emeto Theophilus I, Horwood Paul F, Owolodun Olajide A, Adamu Andrew M, Ngbede Emmanuel O, Wungak Yiltawe S, Ularamu Hussaini G, Adegboye Oyelola A
Journal: Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Schmallenberg Virus in Camels and Donkeys—Emerging Reservoir Concerns for the Sahel Region Schmallenberg virus, an arboviral pathogen transmitted by biting midges, has established itself as a significant threat to ruminant livestock through its capacity to cause abortions, birth defects, and production losses. In the Nigeria-Sahel region, where cross-border livestock trade and shifting animal migration patterns amplify disease transmission risks, researchers screened 460 serum samples (230 camels and 230 donkeys) for SBV antibodies to assess exposure and identify epidemiological risk factors. Exposure proved substantially higher in camels (56.5% seroprevalence) compared with donkeys (11.3%), with age emerging as a significant driver of infection in both species—older animals demonstrated 2.3 times and 3.41 times greater odds of seropositivity respectively. Geographic clustering was pronounced, with hotspots identified in Zangon Daura for camels and Sule Tankarkar for donkeys, suggesting localised transmission dynamics independent of sex, management system, or mixed-species housing. These findings indicate that camels and donkeys represent previously underrecognised SBV reservoirs capable of sustaining and spreading infection across transboundary regions, with substantial implications for livestock trade policy and disease surveillance strategies in West Africa; molecular characterisation of circulating strains is now essential to clarify transmission routes and inform regional biosecurity protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Camels and donkeys in the Nigeria-Sahel region should be considered potential reservoirs for Schmallenberg virus; monitor these species during livestock trading and migration to prevent transboundary spread to domestic ruminant herds
- •Older animals show higher infection rates; prioritize surveillance and biosecurity measures for older camels and donkeys, particularly in high-risk geographic areas
- •Geographic hotspots exist for SBV exposure; implement targeted disease monitoring and movement restrictions in identified clustering areas (Zangon Daura for camels, Sule Tankarkar for donkeys) to reduce regional transmission risk
Key Findings
- •Seroprevalence of SBV was 56.5% in camels and 11.3% in donkeys, indicating substantial exposure in both species
- •Older age was significantly associated with higher SBV seropositivity in both camels (OR=2.3) and donkeys (OR=3.41)
- •Geographic clustering showed significantly higher odds of seropositivity in camels from Zangon Daura (OR=4.73) and donkeys from Sule Tankarkar (OR=4.46)
- •Sex, management system, and mixed species rearing did not significantly influence SBV seropositivity