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Also Known As – Akabane Disease - AKA – Arthrogryposis Hydrancephaly Syndrome (AH Syndrome) – Congenital Articular Rigidity (CAR) – Congenital Arthrogryposis and Hydrancephaly Syndrome   

Also Known As: '''''Akabane Disease — AKA — Arthrogryposis Hydrancephaly Syndrome — AH Syndrome — Congenital Articular Rigidity — CAR — Congenital Arthrogryposis and Hydrancephaly Syndrome  '''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[File:Akabane stillbirth.jpg|thumb|200px|Stillborn calf with typical appearance of Akabane infection. Copyright CFSPH Iowa State.]]

[[File:Akabane stillbirth.jpg|thumb|200px|Stillborn calf with typical appearance of Akabane infection. Copyright CFSPH Iowa State.]]

[[File:Akabane Cerebral Hypoplasia.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Failure of cerebral hemispheres to form in a bovine foetus due to Akabane infection. Copyright CFSPH Iowa State]]

[[File:Akabane Cerebral Hypoplasia.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Failure of cerebral hemispheres to form in a bovine foetus due to Akabane infection. Copyright CFSPH Iowa State]]

Akabane Virus is a member of the '''bunyavirus''' family, the largest of all the viral families and thus is related to many other diseases including '''[[Rift Valley Fever]] and Nairobi sheep disease.'''

Akabane Virus is a member of the [[:Category:Bunyaviridae|'''bunyavirus''']] family, the largest of all the viral families and thus is related to many other diseases including '''[[Rift Valley Fever]] and Nairobi sheep disease.'''

Akabane is a '''teratogenic''' disease, infecting foetuses of cattle, sheep and goats in-utero.

Akabane is a '''teratogenic''' disease, infecting foetuses of cattle, sheep and goats in-utero.

Tropical and temperate regions, particularly '''Africa''' where it is thought to be present throughout the continent. Seroconversion in Kenya may be as high as 95% in animals of breeding age. In areas where infection prevalence is extremely high, no pathologic effects are seen.

Tropical and temperate regions, particularly '''Africa''' where it is thought to be present throughout the continent. Seroconversion in Kenya may be as high as 95% in animals of breeding age. In areas where infection prevalence is extremely high, no pathologic effects are seen.

Akabane virus is transmitted by '''insect vectors, mainly [[Ceratopogonidae|culicoides midges]]''' but also '''[[Culicidae|mosquitoes]]''' of the ''Aedes spp.'' and ''Culex spp''. and some species of '''[[Ticks|tick]]'''. Mosquitoes appear to be solely mechanical vectors as no viral replication occurs within them.  

Akabane virus is transmitted by '''insect vectors, mainly [[Ceratopogonidae|''Culicoides'' midges]]''' but also '''[[Culicidae|mosquitoes]]''' of the ''Aedes ''spp. and ''Culex'' spp. and some species of '''[[Ticks|tick]]'''. Mosquitoes appear to be solely mechanical vectors as no viral replication occurs within them.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

'''Arthrogryposis, or joint contracture, ankylosis (inability to straighten the joints), hydrancephaly''' and less commonly, polioencephalomyelitis are among the congenital signs seen in offspring of infected dams due to the teratogenic effects of Akabane. If the jaw is also malformed '''(brachygnathia/prognathia)''' then dysphagia will also result. Other congenital lesions seen include '''cleft palate, lordosis and kyphosis.'''

'''Arthrogryposis, or joint contracture, ankylosis (inability to straighten the joints), hydrancephaly''' and less commonly, polioencephalomyelitis are among the congenital signs seen in offspring of infected dams due to the teratogenic effects of Akabane. If the jaw is also malformed '''(brachygnathia/prognathia)''' then dysphagia will result. Other congenital lesions seen include '''cleft palate, lordosis and kyphosis.'''

'''Neurological effects''' of disease manifest somewhat non-specifically as ataxia, recumbency,  trembling, opisthotonous, dysmetria, hypermetria, nystagmus and blindness. However, a combination of musculoskeletal deformities and neurological deficits is the trademark of Akabane.  

'''Neurological effects''' of the disease manifest somewhat non-specifically as ataxia, recumbency,  trembling, opisthotonous, dysmetria, hypermetria, nystagmus and blindness. However, a '''combination of musculoskeletal deformities and neurological deficits is the trademark of Akabane'''.  

Akabane can also result in '''abortion or births of stillborns''' if foetal damage is too severe. Infertility and agalactia may also be seen in infected females but this is uncommon.

Akabane can also result in '''abortion or births of stillborns''' if foetal damage is too severe. Infertility and agalactia may also be seen in infected females but this is uncommon.

'''Viral isolation''' can be attempted from placental caruncles and foetal fluid, membranes or nervous tissue. It can also be performed from serum/plasma of dams during peak vector activity periods.  

'''Viral isolation''' can be attempted from placental caruncles and foetal fluid, membranes or nervous tissue. It can also be performed from serum/plasma of dams during peak vector activity periods.  

Virus can be innoculated into cell cultures and identified by '''Immunofluorescence (IF). PCR''' is also available.

Virus can be innoculated into cell cultures and identified by '''[[Immunofluorescence]] (IF). PCR''' is also available.

Serologically, many tests are possible but '''[[ELISA testing|ELISA]]''' predominates.

Serologically, many tests are possible but '''[[ELISA testing|ELISA]]''' predominates.

Vector control and protection/avoidance of animals from vectors are valuable but often impossible due to difficulties identifying vector breeding sites.  

Vector control and protection/avoidance of animals from vectors are valuable but often impossible due to difficulties identifying vector breeding sites.  

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Akabane Virus Flashcards]]

|flashcards = [[Akabane Virus Flashcards]]

}}

}}

==References==

==References==

Animal Health & Production Compendium, '''Akabane Virus infection datasheet''', accessed 20/06/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/

Animal Health & Production Compendium, '''Akabane Virus infection datasheet''', accessed 20/06/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/

[[Category:To Do - CABI review]]

[[Category:To Do - CABI review]]