The socioeconomic impact of equine epizootic lymphangitis in working equids in low and middle-income countries: A scoping review.
Authors: Bonsi Marta, Anderson Neil Euan, Carder Gemma
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Equine epizootic lymphangitis (EEL) represents a significant but poorly documented threat to working equids in low and middle-income countries, where its fungal infection manifests across ocular, respiratory and cutaneous forms whilst treatment options remain prohibitively expensive and scarce. Bonsi, Anderson and Carder conducted a scoping review across four databases and citation tracking to synthesise the existing evidence on EEL's socioeconomic consequences, though their search yielded only seven eligible papers—all originating from Ethiopia—revealing substantial knowledge gaps across endemic regions. The limited research demonstrates that EEL substantially undermines the livelihoods of working equid owners through reduced working capacity and animal loss, whilst generating broader social harm including stigmatisation of affected animals and their handlers. Without integrated epidemiological surveillance coupled with socioeconomic impact assessment across multiple endemic areas, policymakers lack the evidence base necessary to direct resources towards developing affordable therapeutics, vaccines and control programmes tailored to resource-limited settings. Equine professionals working in or with LMICs should advocate for collaborative, One Health-informed research that quantifies disease burden alongside economic and social impacts, as this dual evidence stream is essential for mobilising investment in disease prevention that protects both animal welfare and human economic security.
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Practical Takeaways
- •If you work with equids in endemic areas (particularly East Africa), EEL is a significant threat to your clients' livelihoods—advocate for cost-effective prevention and control programs
- •Be aware that owners of affected animals may face social stigma; this is a welfare concern beyond the disease itself
- •Current treatment options are limited and expensive in LMICs; focus on prevention, early detection, and isolation protocols to protect herd health
Key Findings
- •Only 7 eligible papers were found on EEL socioeconomic impact, with research restricted almost entirely to Ethiopia, indicating severe knowledge gaps in endemic LMICs
- •EEL causes significant economic loss to working equid owners through reduced working capacity and animal mortality
- •Social impacts include stigma associated with infected equids and their owners in affected communities
- •Treatment is expensive and rarely available in low and middle-income countries where the disease is most prevalent