Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Akabane virus disease of cattle-Enzootic arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly

The disease in brief

Disease notifiable to the OIE-2018

The Akabane virus produces abortions, premature births, congenital anomalies of the arthrogryposis type first, then hydranencephaly collectively in an infected herd or region.

The disease is rife in Israel, Australia, Kenya, Japan and Korea. It is transmitted by Culicoides-type midges (C. brevitarsis, C. nebeculosis) and other midges. These midges usually transmit the virus during a hot and humid season, but their mode of transmission means that the virus can be introduced into Europe.

Clinic & diagnosis

 The disease should be suspected when one observes cases of multiple arthrogryposes, or cases of multiple hydranencephaly, or associated with numerous and unexplainable abortions.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-Hydranencephaly N205

-Arthrogryposis N228

-Congenital anomaly linked to the BVD DG40.2 virus

-Congenital anomaly linked to FCO virus N395

-Congenital infection with Neospora N411

-Poisoning by Datura N167

Confirm a suspicion?

We must alert the authorities via the DSV (DDPP-DDCSPP) to find out the official confirmation methods; draw blood on a dry tube to perform serological tests for the Akabane virus and other common causes of abortions (FCO, Q fever, IBR, BVD, Neosporosis, Leptospirosis, etc.).

An abortion or a malformed calf may be the sample of choice, as the diagnosis can also be made by RT-PCR on the malformed fetus (brain, spinal cord).

Prognosis and treatment

No treatment possible.

Prevention

The prevention strategy is provided and organized by the health authorities.

References

-Veterinary Medecine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 380