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Transmission and pathogenesis
Transmission of AHSV occurs almost entirely through hematophagous arthropods, which act as biological vectors. Field and laboratory-based trials have implicated Culicoides biting midges as the primary vectors of AHSV. Other arthropod groups have been implicated in the biological transmission of AHSV, although the importance of these in the epidemiology of the virus remains unclear.
Dogs are susceptible to experimental infection with AHSV and may die from the effects of the virus. Infection also occurs readily following ingestion of infected horsemeat. However, most authorities believe that this species does not play a role in the spread or maintenance of AHSV.
Dogs are susceptible to experimental infection with AHSV and may die from the effects of the virus. Infection also occurs readily following ingestion of infected horsemeat. However, most authorities believe that this species does not play a role in the spread or maintenance of AHSV.
In the blood, virus is associated with the cellular fraction both red blood cells and the buffy coat, while very little is present in the plasma. Extended viraemia, usually found in ruminant infected with BTV, seems not to occur with AHSV in horses although viraemia in the presence of circulating antibody has been reported in zebra.
