Akabane disease virus is a type of arbovirus which causes severe defects affecting the limbs and central nervous system of the developing fetus in pregnant female goats. It has been reported in mammals throughout Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia. The virus is spread by biting midges Culicoides, and some species of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. Infection rates tend to peak in the summer and autumn months due to the increased presence of the insects.
Akabane virus can be detected in an infected adult goat's system 1 to 6 days after infection and can be detected by serological tests 14 days after infection. Most infections involving adult goats are asymptomatic. If the virus infects a female goat with a developing fetus, the virus can persist longer. The resulting abnormality in the fetus depends on the stage of gestation. The impact is greatest during the mid-gestation period which range from 28 to 56 days.
The usual defects found in aborted or birthed kids from female's infected with the Akabane virus include arthrogryposis, hydranencephaly and pulmonary thymic hypoplasia. Akabane disease should be considered when outbreaks of congenital defects occur in a herd that occur in the winter through the spring.
Attention! This is a potentially life-threatening condition for your goat. Time is of the essence, contact your veterinarian immediately.