Seroprevance of African Horse Sickness in Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted on equine to determine the seroprevalence of African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) antibodies and identification of potential risk factors in equine population in the three Khartoum localities in Khartoum State namely Khartoum, Khartoum north and Omdurman. A total of 187 serum samples were collected for competitive ELISA test to determine the presence of African Horse Sickness (AHS) antibodies. The seroprevalence of 87, 84 and 100% were found in the Khartoum, Khartoum north and Omdurman localities, respectively. The apparent seroprevalence was found to be 94% in donkey and 84% in horses. The overall seroprevalence of AHS virus was found to be 84%. There was no significant variation between the horse and donkey in the seropositivity (p>0.05). Significant variation was not observed in seroprevalence among age groups and sex of equine. All age groups as well as male and female of equine population were equally affected. Knowledge base of equine owner about AHS, Clucoides vector and mode of transmission of the disease in the study areas were assessed through structured questionnaire. The survey indicated that almost all equine owners did not know about Clucoides vector and mode of transmission. Therefore, there should be awareness reaction about AHS and Clucoides vector among the people through an organized extension package to the present study areas.