How a small number of mutations can fuel outbreaks of western equine encephalitis virus
Reported by ScienceDaily · April 4 at 6:24 PM · Summary by Hoofdeck
Researchers led by Jonathan Abraham at Harvard Medical School report how small mutations in western equine encephalitis virus change its ability to infect humans and horses. The study, published in Cell on April 4, compares strains isolated over the past century. The virus caused a major outbreak in South America in 2023, involving thousands of horses and over a hundred confirmed human cases.
Background
Western equine encephalitis virus spreads mainly between mosquitoes and birds, and it can spill over to horses and people, causing brain inflammation. Mosquito-borne viruses like this one are typically tracked through surveillance of birds, mosquitoes, and sick animals, and outbreaks often follow changes in the virus that affect which hosts it can infect.
Why it matters
Changes in the virus that affect which animals it can infect could influence future outbreaks that threaten horses in your area.
What you can do
Ask your veterinarian whether your horses are vaccinated against western and eastern equine encephalitis, and keep mosquito control measures in place around your barn.
Written by Hoofdeck from the report by ScienceDaily. Background is general information, not advice about your horse; if you are worried, call your vet.