Transmission and control of African horse sickness in The Netherlands: a model analysis.

ABSTRACT: African horse sickness (AHS) is an equine viral disease that is spread by Culicoides spp. Since the closely related disease bluetongue established itself in The Netherlands in 2006, AHS is considered a potential threat for the Dutch horse population. A vector-host model that incorporates the current knowledge of the infection biology is used to explore the effect of different parameters on whether and how the disease will spread, and to assess the effect of control measures. The time of introduction is an important determinant whether and how the disease will spread, depending on temperature and vector season. Given an introduction in the most favourable and constant circumstances, our results identify the vector-to-host ratio as the most important factor, because of its high variability o

SUBMITTER: Backer JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3151287 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature