Authors: Thaller Denise, Schulz Claudia, Auer Angelika, Bagó Zoltán, Revilla-Fernández Sandra, Mansfeld Michael D, Matiasek Kaspar, Klang Andrea
Journal: Veterinary pathology
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Alpacas Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a potentially fatal arboviral infection of the central nervous system, has been documented across Eurasia in humans, dogs, horses, and ruminants, yet no confirmed cases in South American camelids have previously been reported. Two Huacaya alpacas presenting with progressive neurological signs refractory to treatment were necropsied and underwent histopathological examination alongside molecular confirmation via PCR, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and RNAscope in situ hybridisation, revealing moderate lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis with characteristic perivascular cuffing, glial proliferation, neuronal degeneration, and neuronophagia. This case series establishes that alpacas are susceptible to TBEV infection and can develop the same CNS pathology observed in other infected species, expanding the known host range of this significant pathogen. For equine and other animal healthcare professionals working in endemic regions—particularly Central Europe and parts of Asia—TBEV should now feature prominently in differential diagnoses when camelid patients present with neurological dysfunction, particularly given the disease's severity and lack of curative treatment options. The emergence of TBEV in alpacas underscores the importance of considering vector-borne viral diseases across diverse species populations and highlights potential gaps in current disease surveillance and tick control protocols on mixed-species operations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Alpaca owners and veterinarians in tick-endemic regions of Eurasia should include TBE in the differential diagnosis for alpacas presenting with progressive neurologic signs
- •Tick control and prevention strategies become increasingly important given this virus is now documented in a new species previously considered unaffected
- •Neurologic cases in alpacas from endemic regions warrant appropriate diagnostic testing (PCR, immunohistochemistry) rather than empirical treatment alone
Key Findings
- •First documented cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection in South American camelids (Huacaya alpacas)
- •Histopathology revealed moderate lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalomyelitis with perivascular cuffing, glial proliferation, neuronal degeneration, and neuronophagia
- •TBEV infection confirmed by PCR, sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and RNAscope in situ hybridization
- •Both cases presented with progressive, therapy-resistant neurologic signs and were fatal