Evidence for the circulation of equine encephalosis virus in Israel since 2001.
Authors: Westcott David G, Wescott David G, Mildenberg Zvia, Bellaiche Michel, McGowan Sarah L, Grierson Sylvia S, Choudhury Bhudipa, Steinbach Falko
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Equine Encephalosis Virus in Israel Equine encephalosis virus (EEV) was historically considered endemic only to southern Africa, making its discovery in Israel in 2008 appear to be a recent incursion; however, retrospective serological analysis of archived equine sera now reveals a far longer history of circulation in the region. Using serum neutralisation testing on samples originally collected for investigation of other suspected diseases, researchers identified EEV-specific antibodies in horses dating back to 2001, with seroprevalence ranging from 20–100% across the seven-year period prior to formal recognition. This extended timeline fundamentally changes our understanding of EEV's geographic distribution and suggests the virus had established itself silently in Israel for at least a decade before clinical suspicion was raised. The overlap between EEV clinical signs and those of other notifiable equine diseases—a factor likely responsible for the diagnostic delay—underscores the critical importance of serological screening and heightened clinician awareness when investigating neurological or systemic disease in regions where emerging pathogens may be circulating unrecognised. For practitioners across the equine industry, this finding emphasises that geographical assumptions about disease distribution can mask endemic circulation; targeted diagnostics and epidemiological vigilance remain essential tools for identifying and tracking pathogens in new regions.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EEV should be included in differential diagnosis for equine neurological disease cases, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions
- •Serological testing may be warranted for horses with unexplained neurological signs to rule out EEV infection
- •Awareness and education about EEV presentation is critical for veterinarians to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate biosecurity measures
Key Findings
- •Equine encephalosis virus was circulating in Israel since at least 2001, earlier than the 2008 initial report
- •Seroprevalence ranged from 20-100% during the 2001-2008 period, indicating widespread exposure
- •EEV clinical signs are similar to other equine notifiable diseases, creating diagnostic challenges in the field