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The Changing Landscape of Akabane Virus: A Comprehensive Review
Celia Alonso1,2, Iván Mazuecos-Aragonés1, Javier Ortego1
1Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CISA-INIA, CSIC), Valdeolmos, 28130 Madrid, Spain.
Akabane virus (AKAV), an emerging pathogen, threatens global animal health by causing severe congenital malformations in livestock. Climate change facilitates its spread, necessitating enhanced surveillance and novel vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Pathogen Biology
Background:
- Akabane virus (AKAV) is an orthobunyavirus transmitted by Culicoides midges, posing a significant threat to global ruminant health.
- While adult animals often show subclinical infections, AKAV can cause severe placental issues like abortions and congenital malformations, leading to economic losses.
- Recent expansion of AKAV to non-ruminant species and the impact of climate change on vector distribution raise concerns about its spread to naive populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Akabane virus (AKAV) biology, epidemiology, and associated diseases.
- To discuss current and potential control strategies for AKAV infections in livestock.
- To highlight the growing importance of AKAV as an emerging pathogen due to climate change and host range expansion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Akabane virus.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and disease patterns.
- Synthesis of information on virus biology, transmission, and pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- AKAV is distributed across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania, impacting ruminants and increasingly non-ruminant species.
- Congenital malformations and abortions in livestock result in substantial economic losses.
- Climate change is expanding the distribution of Culicoides vectors, increasing the risk of AKAV introduction into new regions.
Conclusions:
- Akabane virus is an emerging pathogen of significant concern for animal health, exacerbated by climate change.
- Effective control relies on vaccination, as therapeutic treatments are unavailable.
- Further research into AKAV's biology, virulence, and the development of novel vaccines is crucial, alongside strengthened surveillance programs.
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