I don't think it is uncommon for viruses to cross species barriers.
Alphaviruses such as Eastern and Western Equine Encephalitis viruses cause
disease in humans and horses.
The Orbiviruses, bluetongue viruses, we work with cause disease only in
ruminant species and are transmitted from animal to animal via a biting
gnat. However, there was a recent incident where bluetongue virus somehow
contaminating a canine vaccine. This resulted in abortion and death in
pregnant bitches. (see Wilbur J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 204:1762) There are
no confirmed reports of humans developing a titer to bluetongue viruses. I
was surprised to hear that African horse sickness, another orbivirus, causes
disease in humans. Has this been reported in the literature?
William C. Wilson
USDA/ARS
Arthropod-borne Animal
Diseases Res. Lab.
Laramie, WY 82071-3965
Phone: (307)766-3622
Fax: (307)766-3500
e-mail: wcwilson at uwyo.edu
