Serological survey on Hepatitis E virus in Namibian dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys.
Authors: Molini Umberto, Franzo Giovanni, de Villiers Lourens, van Zyl Leandra, de Villiers Mari, Khaiseb Siegfried, Busch Frank, Knauf Sascha, Dietze Klaas, Eiden Martin
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hepatitis E Virus Seropositivity in Namibian Companion and Working Animals Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents an emerging zoonotic threat to human health globally, yet epidemiological data from southern Africa remain limited. Researchers conducted a serological survey of archived serum samples collected between 2018 and 2022 from 374 dogs, 238 cats, 98 horses, and 60 donkeys across different Namibian regions to establish baseline HEV exposure rates and identify potential animal reservoirs. HEV antibodies were detected in 10.43% of canine samples and 5.88% of feline samples, whilst no seropositivity was found in equine or donkey populations; notably, dogs in areas with intensive pig farming showed higher prevalence rates. Although the study did not establish direct evidence that companion animals serve as major transmission vectors to humans, the findings warrant consideration of contact-minimisation strategies with seropositive pets, particularly for immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Given the documented zoonotic potential of HEV and its multiple genotypes, further investigation into the specific viral genotypes circulating in Namibian animal populations and their epidemiological links to human infection would strengthen understanding of transmission pathways and inform targeted public health guidance for at-risk groups.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Horses and donkeys in this Namibian population showed no HEV exposure, reducing concern about these species as disease vectors in this region
- •Dog and cat owners should implement hygiene precautions around pets, particularly in pig-farming areas where HEV exposure is elevated
- •Further epidemiological investigation is needed to clarify zoonotic transmission pathways and whether equines in other regions or management systems show different exposure patterns
Key Findings
- •10.43% of dogs (39/374) and 5.88% of cats (14/238) tested positive for HEV antibodies in Namibia
- •No HEV seropositivity detected in horses (0/98) or donkeys (0/60) sampled
- •Higher HEV prevalence in dogs living in areas with intensive pig farming
- •No direct evidence that these animals serve as major HEV reservoirs for human transmission, though zoonotic risk cannot be excluded