Clinical presentation and pathology of suspected vector transmitted African horse sickness in South African domestic dogs from 2006 to 2017.
Authors: O'Dell Nicolize, Arnot Luke, Janisch Chris Eric, Steyl Johan Ca
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: African Horse Sickness in Dogs — Natural Vector Transmission Confirmed African horse sickness virus (AHSV) is a notifiable, often fatal disease predominantly affecting horses through vascular endothelial injury and subsequent circulatory collapse; whilst experimental canine infection has been documented following consumption of infected horse meat, natural transmission routes have remained poorly characterised. Between 2006 and 2017, South African researchers identified and confirmed 33 clinical cases of AHS in domestic dogs without any history of meat ingestion, presenting primarily with acute respiratory distress or sudden death. Post-mortem examination and advanced diagnostics (NS4 antibody immunohistochemistry and duplex real-time RT-quantitative PCR) revealed a consistent pathological pattern of acute interstitial pneumonia, serofibrinous pleuritis and mediastinal oedema, mirroring the respiratory manifestations seen in equine disease. The study provides the first substantial evidence that dogs can acquire AHSV through natural vector transmission (likely Culicoides biting midges) rather than solely through dietary exposure, fundamentally shifting our understanding of disease epidemiology in non-equine species. For equine professionals working in endemic regions, this finding underscores the importance of vector control measures that protect not only horses but also nearby canine populations, and highlights the need for heightened clinical vigilance when respiratory signs present in dogs alongside equine AHS outbreaks.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Dogs can naturally acquire AHS through vector transmission (not just meat consumption), indicating broader epidemiological risk than previously documented
- •Acute respiratory distress or sudden death in dogs in AHS-endemic areas warrants investigation for this viral disease as differential diagnosis
- •Vector control measures for equine AHS should consider canine populations as potential spillover hosts in endemic regions
Key Findings
- •33 confirmed cases of AHS in domestic dogs documented over 12 years without history of infected horse meat ingestion
- •Clinical presentation predominantly featured acute respiratory distress syndrome or sudden death
- •Pathological findings characterized by acute interstitial pneumonia, serofibrinous pleuritis, and mediastinal oedema
- •Confirmation achieved through NS4 antibody immunohistochemistry and/or AHSV-specific duplex real-time RT-qPCR