Equine epizootic lymphangitis: A synopsis and current development

Title (eng)
Equine epizootic lymphangitis: A synopsis and current development
Author
Ulrich Wernery
Author
Sunitha Joseph
Author
Jessika-M. Cavalleri
University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Author
Fatma G. Al Mheiri
Abstract (eng)
Equine Epizootic Lymphangitis (EEL) is a highly infectious and contagious systemic fungal disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum. It can affect all equids, but primarily horses and mules. Although the disease has been eradicated in many countries, it still exists in some Mediterranean countries, as well as in India, Pakistan, Japan, North Africa, and East Africa, notably Ethiopia. EEL is prevalent in rural, urban, and peri-urban areas where equids significantly contribute to the socioeconomic well-being of people who rely on these animals for their livelihood. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) classifies it as a listed disease due to its importance in economic and public health for countries involved in animal trade. Indeed, the disease can be transmitted through inhalation, ingestion, flies, fomites, and direct contact. The skin of equids typically becomes infected when the fungus enters through open wounds, which is the most common route of infection. Clinically, the disease presents in four forms: cutaneous, ocular (keratoconjunctivitis), respiratory (multifocal pulmonary lesions), and asymptomatic forms. The isolation is based on the isolation of Histoplasma capsulatum and serology; however, challenges arise due to the slow growth of the organism, which complicates isolation. Care must be taken to minimize contamination, as samples are primarily collected from abscesses, mucopurulent discharge, scabs, and tissues. This paper summarizes findings from various studies regarding the prevalence of EEL and its association with altitude and climate. In conclusion, implementing control measures is crucial for managing EEL. These measures include educating horse owners on the importance of regularly cleaning horse equipment, controlling flies, preventing wounds through proper harnessing, routine deworming, and protecting horses from feral dogs and hyena attacks.
Keywords (eng)
Equine Epizootic LymphangitisFungal DiseaseHistoplasma Capsulatum var. FarciminosumEpidemiologyDiagnosisPrevention and Control
Type (eng)
journal article
Language
[eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:4715
DOI
10.51585/gjvr.2025.1.0117
Is in series
Title (eng)
German Journal of Veterinary Research
Volume
5
Issue
1
ISSN
2703-1322
Issued
2025
Number of pages
10
From page
30
To page
39
Publication
German Multidisciplinary Publishing Center
Version type (eng)
version of record (published version)
Date issued
2025
Access rights (eng)
open access
License
CC BY-NC 4.0 International
Rights statement (eng)
© 2024 Authors