Conference in 13th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics

August 23^rd, 2012

Sanchez-Matamoros A., Martinez-Lopez B., Iglesias E. and Sanchez-Vizcaino JM.

African horse sickness (AHS) is a vector-borne infectious disease, mainly transmitted by Culicoides spp.,that causes dramatic sanitary and economic consequences for equidae populations. The AHS virus (AHSV)is closely related to the bluetongue virus (BTV) and, as a consequence, the re-emergence and endemicity of BTV in Europe has increased concerns about the potential re-introduction and further spread of AHSV in European equidae populations. Spain is the second largest European country in terms of equidae population, with animals of high economic and genetic value. Furthermore, its geographical, environmental and entomological conditions are favourable for AHS infections, as has been proved in past epidemics with different AHSV serotypes (i.e. 1966 and 1988-1990) and caused devastating socio-economic consequences for the country. The study presented here, was aimed to identify suitable areas and time periods at high risk
for AHS occurrence in Spain that may be target to allocate surveillance strategies and other risk reduction measures. Specifically we use knowledge about risk factor of disease, climatic conditions, abundance of Culicoides spp. and equidae density, with weighted linear combination of these factors. Validation of the
model was performed using historical outbreaks in Spain. Model results revealed that South-West of Spain is the most suitable area for AHS infections, particularly during late summer months. Suitability maps and other results of this study may be useful to support risk-based surveillance and control strategies, and to
develop a simulation spread models for evaluate AHS spread in Spain

	Servicio de Inmunología Viral y Medicina Preventiva (SUAT). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM).
	Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad Complutense (UCM).