Seroprevalence of African Horse Sickness at Central Highland of Ethiopia

Haji Ende1 , Habtamu Tassew1 , Endale Balcha Gurmu1 , Kassaw Amsalu, Daniel Gizaw2 ,

1: Mekelle University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle, Ethiopia 2: National Animal Health Diagnostic Investigation Center, Sebeta, Ethiopia

Corresponding author: Endale Balcha Gurmu Mekelle University College of Veterinary Medicine P.O .Box: 2084, Mekelle Ethiopia Email: endalebalcha@yahoo.com Fax: +251344401595

Abstract :

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of African Horse sickness virus (AHSV) antibodies and identify potential risk factors in equine population at selected areas of central high land of Ethiopia from November 2011 to April 2012. A total of 546 sera (506 horses, 18 mules and 22 donkeys) were collected randomly. Competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA) configuration was employed to determine the presence of AHSV antibodies. The apparent prevalence of AHSV was found to be 46 % in horses,61.1 % in mules and 36.4 % in donkeys. The overall apparent seroprevalence of AHSV in three species equine was found to be 46.2 %. Statistical significant (p<0.05) difference in seroprevalence was observed at the different study areas confirming the existence of agroecology based variation in the occurrence of AHS. The highest seroprevalence of AHSV was documented at the mid highland followed by highland areas. There were no significant variations (P> 0.05) among age groups and sexes for seroprevalence of AHSV. In this study, all age groups as well as male and female populations were equally affected by African horse sickness disease. Questionnaire survey also indicated the presence of African horse sickness disease in the study areas. Therefore, control strategies as annual vaccination and appropriate housing system should be targeted at all ages and in both sex. Key words: Seroprevalence, African horse sickness; c-ELISA, equine, highland, Ethiopia