Contribution to a Seroprevalence Survey of West Nile Fever on Horses in Northern Algiers "2013/2014"

Abstract

Abstract: West. Nile Fever (WNF) is a vector zoonosis caused by a flavivirus transmitted by the bite of Culex mosquitoes from birds, resulting on flu-like symptoms and may develop into nervous symptoms like meningitis type and meningoencephalitis, even death of horses as well as human beings. To get an appreciation of health status and in view of the lack of data on prevalence in Algeria of equine and birds WNV (West Nile Virus) infection since 1994, a serological survey was conducted on 209 sera horses tested in ELISA "IgG competititon" resulting from a prevalence of 12% with equestrian clubs, stables and private owners in various areas of Algiers, Boumerdes and Blida. Seropositive horses are present in nearby areas of migration of birds, wetlands and less humid ones in boxes, stall-paddock and even in the presence of means of vector control. However, the parameters sex, age, breed, color are to be reconsidered for future study by a more expanding population with homogeneous proportions. These horses-revealing epidemiological-give evidence of WNV but not to conclude an emerging nature of WNF. Epidemiological measures should be introduced to protect human and animal health, hence other studies should be carried out on domestic and wild birds to assess the prevalence later on.