Clinical Sentinel Surveillance of Equine West Nile Fever, Spain

• DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12243
• Publication Date: 2014-06-05T07:04:40Z
• Authors: C. Saegerman; A. Alba-Casals; I. García-Bocanegra; F. Dal Pozzo; G. van Galen
• Keywords: West Nile virus; Rift Valley Fever

West Nile fever (WNF) is a viral zoonotic infection caused by mosquito-borne flavivirus of the Flaviviridae family. According to comparative study, passive surveillance horses equine veterinarians appeared be most cost-effective system in European context WNF. Clinical data issued from epidemiosurveillance network September 2010 December 2011 on Spain were statistically compared and used develop predictive diagnostic decision tree, both with aim improve early clinical detection WNF horses. Although signs variable affected WNF, four month occurrence identified as useful indicators distinguish between WNF-related WNF-unrelated cases. The that pointed out presumptive diagnosis cranial nerves deficits, limb paralysis, photophobia nasal discharge. examination neurological are not vaccinated against WNV could provide important clues for therefore serve an alert possible human infections. study pattern importance enhance awareness better understanding optimize designs advance epidemic activity affecting humans.