|
Numerous species of mammals are susceptible to this virus. It is of clinical relevance particularly in horses, in cats (where the disease is also called “staggering disease”)
and in sheep.
The virus has a strong neurotropism and triggers non-purulent meningoencephalitis, associated with anorexia, apathy, somnolence and multiple neuronal dysfunctions.
Animals suffering from Borna disease develop motor and behavioural disorders. In horses and sheep, in addition to the symptoms listed above, a lowered head posture,
separation from the herd, empty chewing and salivation have been described and, at a later stage, recumbency and flailing movements. Cats frequently suffer from hind-leg
ataxia and lumbosacral pain.
There is often little or no immune response, which makes it difficult to diagnose by testing for antibodies. The incubation period is unknown. The progression of a clinically
manifested infection is lethal (duration of the disease usually 1 – 3 weeks).
Clinically inapparent infections are also possible. It has been a controversial issue whether this virus also infects humans and is there linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
A seasonal increase of the disease from March to September has been described in horses and sheep; in cats, increases can be found from December to May.
The modes of transmission have not yet entirely been clarified; infection probably occurs through the nerve endings of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa. Infections from horse to horse (sheep to sheep, cat to cat) are experimentally possible, but very unlikely. Shrews constitute the virus reservoir.
In birds, we offer
Avian Borna Virus
| 
