Nairobi Sheep Disease Virus: A Historical and Epidemiological Perspective

Abstract

Nairobi Sheep Disease virus (NSDv) is a zoonotic and tick-borne disease that can cause over 90% mortality in small ruminants. NSDv has historically circulated in East Africa and has recently emerged in the Asian continent. Despite efforts to control the disease, some regions, mostly in warmer climates, persistently report disease outbreaks. Consequently, it is necessary to understand how environmental tolerances and factors that influence transmission may shed light on its possible emergence in other regions. In this study, we quantified the available literature of NSDv from which occurrence data was extracted. In total, 308 locations from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, India, Sri Lanka and China were coupled with landscape conditions to reconstruct the ecological conditions for NSDv circulation and identify areas of potential disease transmission risk. Our results identified areas suitable for NSDv in Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Southeastern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Unsuitable areas included Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Southern Somalia. In summary, soil moisture, livestock density, and precipitation predispose certain areas to NSDv circulation. It is critical to investigate the epidemiology of NSDv in order to promote better allocation of resources to control its spread in regions that are more at risk. This will help reduce disease impact worldwide as climate change will favor emergence of such vector-borne diseases in areas with dense small ruminant populations.

Mapping of Antibody Epitopes on the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Nucleoprotein

“…Previously, we and others showed the usefulness of recombinant CCHFV NP antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunofluorescent assay, and its ability for detecting CCHFV NP-specific IgG directed against strains originating from different geographic regions [ 10 , 16 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, it is known that some anti-NP antibodies are cross-reactive to multiple orthonairoviruses in ELISA and Western blotting [ 16 , 18 , 19 ].…”

Whole Genome or Single Genes? A Phylodynamic and Bibliometric Analysis of PRRSV

“…Over the last decade, the concept and application of interdisciplinary sciences have improved infectious disease control measures by the combination of the genetic, geographic, and historical data of pathogens ( 17 – 20 ), providing a much deeper understanding of their evolutionary trajectory and therefore allowing the application of targeted control strategies and treatments based on this new information ( 16 ). However, due to the multiple possibilities that interdisciplinary approaches offer, there is often an open discussion to determine the most accurate method to apply in a given scientific scenario.…”

Diagnosis and Pathogenesis of Nairobi Sheep Disease Orthonairovirus Infections in Sheep and Cattle

“…This stable state can be interrupted, if susceptible (naïve) animals are introduced to these regions or if the distribution range of the transmitting tick vector is enlarging. Both options are likely to occur, when climate change in combination with vector spread, optimization of land use as an answer for the globally increased demand for meat, and the importation of foreign animals for breeding improvements are taken in consideration [ 18 ].…”

“…Recently, the potential spread and emergence of NSDV was modulated with an ecological niche model and countries at risk (e.g., Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Southeastern China, Taiwan, Vietnam) were suggested, where NSDV might (already or in the future) occur and cause outbreaks [ 18 ]. To increase the preparedness for a potential emergence of this neglected arbovirus, further research concerning the pathogenesis, transmission and diagnosis of NSDV is essentially needed.…”