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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Detection of Novel Orthobunyavirus Reassortants in Fatal Neurologic Case in Horse and Culicoides Biting Midges, South Africa.

Journal:
Emerging infectious diseases
Year:
2025
Authors:
Rakaki, Matshepo Elizabeth et al.
Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

In South Africa, researchers found a virus called Shuni in horses and sheep fetuses, and another virus named Shamonda in a goat fetus. They also discovered a mix of these viruses in a horse and in biting midges, which are small insects. This suggests that these viruses are spreading and changing, so ongoing monitoring will be important to keep track of these infections in animals. The study highlights the need for continued observation of these viruses in the region.

Abstract

We detected Shuni virus in horses and ovine fetuses and Shamonda virus in a caprine fetus in South Africa. We identified a Shuni/Shamonda virus reassortant in a horse and Shuni/Caimito, Shamonda/Caimito, and Shamonda/Sango virus reassortants in Culicoides midges. Continued genomic surveillance will be needed to detect orthobunyavirus infections in Africa.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40563128/