New virus transmission route discovered in pigs.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus causes serious inflammation of the brain in people and fertility problems in pigs. Mosquitoes were previously the only known transmission route. However, the virus can also be spread from pig to pig by direct contact, and this could enable it to circulate in pigs during the mosquito-free winter season. The JE virus is the main cause of serious encephalitis in people in Asia. The virus is found in large parts of Southeast Asia and is now also widespread in India. It circulates between birds and mosquitoes and between pigs and mosquitoes, and is passed to humans through mosquito bites. In children in particular, infection can lead to acute encephalitis and permanent impairment or even death. In pigs, the main effect of the virus alongside fever and encephalitis is fertility problems. The virus is closely related to the West Nile, Zika and dengue viruses. All are transmitted by mosquitoes and are flaviviruses, which cause serious illness in humans and animals. Previously, the only known transmission route for JE viruses was mosquitoes. A team of researchers from the Institute of Virology and Immunology and the University Bern at the Vetsuisse Faculty led by Dr. Meret Ricklin and Prof Artur Summerfield have now shown that JE viruses can also be passed directly from pig to pig. The study has just been published in the journal "Nature Communications."

Lassa fever .

Rats are carriers of both the spirochete bacteria responsible for Leptospirosis in man and animals and also the Lassa fever virus which affects man. The rat spread both infection by contamination with urine, when rats urine contaminate food and water, they spread these diseases. The consumption of rats have also been fingered in the spread of Lassa fever. The signs of Lassa infection occurs 1-3 weeks after exposure to the virus. The signs could be mild or severe and these are 1) slight fever 2) general malaise 3) weakness 4) headache. The severe signs include 1) bleeding/hemorrhaging in gums, eyes and nose. 2) respiratory distress 3)repeated vomiting 4) facial swelling 5) pain in chest ,back, abdomen and neck. Lassa fever infection also show neurological signs such as tremors, encephalitis and deafness. The treatment is supportive therapy of fluids and vitamins and Ribavirin, an antiviral drug. The prognosis is hinged on early treatment. Death usually occurs within 2 weeks after onset of symptoms. The major form of prevention is pest control; ensure your house, farms and factories are rodent proof. The proper disposal of waste is advised, remove all unfinished food and store food material on rodent-proof containers. Regular de-ratization in premises is advised. Do not eat rats. Stay safe # kill rats don’t eat them

VETERINARY MEDICINE: HORSES AND MOSQUITOES.

Mosquitoes cause a number of diseases in horses such as west Nile virus,the eastern,Venezuelan and western encephalomyelitis..The mosquitoes transmit these infectious agents by sucking blood of the horses.The mosquito bite though painful characterized by chewing and scratching cause severe diseases,and vaccination is the only form of prevention of such diseases. Horses should be protected from mosquitoes in barns and stalls to prevent these infections; these tips will keep horses/stables mosquito free. 1)remove any object that can collect water,destroy all tins or vessels that has stagnant water. 2)dont litter pasture with manure. 3)deworm horses regularly. 4) spray insecticides in stables/barns, 5) keep drains clean and spray insecticides in drain. 6) use fans in stables/barns to deter mosquitoes.Mosquitoes operate where there is heat and carbon dioxide buildup,thus using fans will ensure free flow of air and remove the carbon dioxide.The fans keep the air moving,making it impossible for the mosquitoes to operate as they only function where air is still. 7) remove manure from stalls daily and from pasture 2 times a week. 8) use of screens in stable. 9)dont leave lights on overnight in stables and during the evening.