Geospatial and temporal associations of Getah virus circulation among pigs and horses around the perimeter of outbreaks in Japanese racehorses in 2014 and 2015.
Authors: Bannai Hiroshi, Nemoto Manabu, Niwa Hidekazu, Murakami Satoshi, Tsujimura Koji, Yamanaka Takashi, Kondo Takashi
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Getah Virus Circulation in Japanese Racehorses and Pigs During 2014–2015, Japan experienced significant Getah virus outbreaks in racehorses, prompting investigation into potential animal reservoirs and transmission pathways in affected regions. Researchers analysed the genomic sequences of Getah virus isolates recovered from infected pigs in Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures alongside equine isolates, whilst mapping the spatial and temporal relationships between pig and horse cases around outbreak epicentres. Genomic analysis revealed substantial sequence identity between porcine and equine virus strains, suggesting active viral circulation between species in these geographic areas during the outbreak period. These findings indicate that pigs may function as a reservoir or amplifying host for Getah virus, with implications for biosecurity protocols on stud farms and racing facilities located near pig production areas, particularly during periods of vector activity (the virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes). For equine professionals managing horses in endemic regions, understanding the potential for spillover from adjacent livestock operations underscores the importance of vector control measures and surveillance during high-risk seasons.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Getah virus outbreaks in racehorses may be linked to concurrent viral circulation in local pig populations—monitor both species during arboviral surveillance
- •Genomic tracking of viral strains can help identify common exposure sources and transmission pathways between equine and swine operations
- •Geographic proximity of affected pig and horse facilities should raise suspicion for vector-borne transmission; vector control and biosecurity measures are warranted
Key Findings
- •Getah virus outbreaks in racehorses in 2014-2015 were geospatially and temporally associated with concurrent pig epizootic in Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures, Japan
- •Genomic sequence analysis of Getah virus strains from infected pigs showed identity with strains isolated from horses, suggesting a common or related source
- •The spatial clustering of cases around outbreak perimeters indicates potential cross-species transmission dynamics