Outbreaks of African horse sickness in Senegal, and methods of control of the 2007 epidemic

Abstract

Since first being detected in Nigeria in January 2007, African horse sickness virus serotype 2 (AHSV-2) has spread throughout the northern hemisphere, and was first reported in Senegal. A retrospective study was conducted from December 2009 to April 2010 using data collected in the field combined with information available at the Direction of Veterinary Services. The epidemic started in the Dakar region with two outbreaks in March and June 2007, respectively, and spread in several parts of the country between July and November 2007. During this period, 232 outbreaks and 1137 horse deaths were reported. The epidemic was controlled by mass vaccination using a polyvalent-attenuated vaccine. This retrospective study was conducted with various assumptions of AHSV-2 introduction, and provides recommendations for implementing an early warning surveillance system for African horse sickness in Senegal.

Worldwide Niche and Future Potential Distribution of Culicoides imicola, a Major Vector of Bluetongue and African Horse Sickness Viruses

“…The distribution of C. imicola , especially in southern Europe, is an old and actual subject of interest as illustrated by AHS and BT history: AHS is endemic in areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, as highlighted by the recent outbreaks in Senegal in 2007 [1], and has sporadically caused devastating outbreaks outside Africa, eg. in 1959–61 in the Middle East and in Asia (where over 300 000 equids died), and in 1987–90 on the Iberian Peninsula [7].…”

Insight on the larval habitat of Afrotropical Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Niayes area of Senegal, West Africa

“…The country faced outbreaks of African horse sickness (AHS) in 2007 which caused the death of 1169 horses and considerable economic losses, estimated to 1.4 million euros [43, 44]. …”

Infectious Diseases of Working Equids

“…26 A retrospective study of the 2007 AHS epidemic in Senegal identified AHSV-2 as the serotype responsible for the outbreak and mortality in horses. 27 …”

“…25 AHS is endemic in many countries in central and eastern Africa and spreads regularly to southern Africa. 9,[26][27][28][29][30] In endemic areas, different serotypes may be active simultaneously, but one serotype is usually dominant during a particular season. The disease is occasionally reported in countries in North Africa, from where it has also entered the Middle East and Spain.…”