Epidemiology

EPIDEMIOLOGY
  • Epizootic lymphangitis is a contagious disease which can infect humans.
  • The disease mainly affects horses, mules and donkeys, although infection may occur in camels and cattle.
  • Mice and rabbits may be infected experimentally.
  • Horses under six years of age are most susceptible.
  • The mode of transmission of the disease is not well established.
  • Direct contact with infective materials through injured skin or through cutaneous abrasions is the most common mode of infection.
  • Spread of infection can also occur indirectly through contaminated objects such as grooming tools, feeding and watering utensils and harnesses and wound dressings.
  • Flies that feed on open wounds may act as possible vectors.
  • The organism has been isolated from the alimentary tract of biting flies that had alighted in open lesions and the disease has developed in horses 4.8 km from the nearest case.
  • Experimentally, flies (Musca spp. and Stomoxys spp.) have been shown to be capable of transmitting the infection.
  • Transmission also possible via stallions to mares by copulation.
Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 6:37 AM