Systematic Veterinary Virology

INTRODUCTION

• African horsesickness (AHS) is a non-contagious, highly fatal, viscerotropic, insect-borne viral disease of horses, mules and donkeys. The infection is caused by an orbivirus under the family reoviridae. AHS occurs in Equidaes in areas endemic for certain Culicoides midges or gnats. The infection is often fatal and is characterised by fever and oedema in the lungs and subcutaneous tissues. Nine different serotypes have been described as on date.