Identification of hotspots in the European union for the introduction of four zoonotic arboviroses by live animal trade.
Authors: Durand Benoit, Lecollinet Sylvie, Beck Cécile, Martínez-López Beatriz, Balenghien Thomas, Chevalier Véronique
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Zoonotic Arbovirus Introduction Risks via Live Animal Trade in the EU Live animal trade represents a significant pathway for introducing exotic pathogens into disease-free regions, yet the expanding diversity of species entering international commerce—particularly exotic pets with broad host ranges—has received limited systematic risk assessment. Durand and colleagues combined EU trade records (2005–2009) with vector habitat suitability mapping and equine and human population density data to identify geographic and commodity-specific hotspots for four arboviruses (Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis) likely to cause clinical disease in European populations. Belgium, the Netherlands, and northern Italy emerged as highest-risk zones, with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis posing particular concern, driven largely by imports of exotic rodents, reptiles, and cage birds in small containers from geographically diverse origins. The research highlights that growing species diversity and fragmented sourcing of exotic pets substantially amplify arbovirus introduction risk beyond what traditional livestock trade patterns would predict. For equine professionals, this underscores the need for heightened awareness of vector ecology and epidemiological risk in border regions, with implications for biosecurity protocols, client education about zoonotic disease exposure, and advocacy for enhanced trade monitoring systems.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Veterinarians and authorities in Belgium, Netherlands, and northern Italy should maintain heightened surveillance for arboviral disease, particularly EEE, given regional trade patterns
- •Exotic pet importation poses a significant zoonotic disease risk; enhanced biosecurity screening protocols for imported animals from diverse origins would reduce introduction likelihood
- •Monitor for arboviral disease in horses and humans in regions with high exotic pet trade activity, as vector presence and host density amplify outbreak potential
Key Findings
- •Hotspots for arbovirus introduction risk identified in Belgium, Netherlands, and northern Italy based on live animal trade data (2005-2009)
- •Eastern equine encephalomyelitis posed the highest introduction risk among the four arboviruses studied
- •Exotic pet species (rodents, reptiles, cage birds) imported in small containments from diverse geographic origins were the primary vectors of introduction risk
- •Increasing diversity of animal species and geographic origins in trade may elevate future arbovirus introduction risk to the EU