The challenges posed by equine arboviruses.
Authors: Chapman G E, Baylis M, Archer D, Daly J M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: The challenges posed by equine arboviruses Arthropod-borne viruses pose an escalating threat to horses globally, with mosquitoes, Culicoides midges, sandflies and ticks serving as vectors for several high-consequence pathogens including West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, African horse sickness and equine encephalosis. Chapman and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of current knowledge surrounding surveillance, prevention and control strategies for these major equine arboviruses, with particular emphasis on their emerging presence in previously unaffected regions. The authors highlight that the geographic expansion of arbovirus distribution creates substantial challenges for practitioners: traditional prevention measures become less reliable when disease appears in new territories, diagnostic capacity may be limited in affected areas, and vaccination programmes must be adapted to local epidemiological circumstances. For equine professionals, this review underscores the critical importance of maintaining disease awareness regardless of current regional prevalence, implementing robust vector management practices, and staying informed about changing disease distributions through official veterinary channels. Understanding the ecology and transmission dynamics of these viruses—rather than assuming local immunity or absence—is essential for protecting both individual horses and broader equine populations in an era of shifting arboviral threats.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Practitioners should implement vector control and biosecurity measures relevant to arthropod-borne viruses in their geographic region, particularly given emerging disease patterns
- •Awareness of clinical signs consistent with major equine arboviruses (encephalitis, African horse sickness, equine encephalosis) enables timely reporting and disease management
- •Vaccination strategies and regional disease surveillance programs should be reviewed to understand available prevention options for arboviruses endemic or emerging in your practice area
Key Findings
- •Equine populations worldwide face increasing risk from arthropod-borne viruses transmitted by mosquitoes, Culicoides, sandflies and ticks
- •Major equine arboviruses include flaviviruses, alphaviruses, and orbiviruses with capacity to emerge in new geographic regions
- •Surveillance, prevention and control of equine arboviruses present significant challenges particularly for emerging disease scenarios