Review on Equine Epizootic Lymphangitis and its Impact in Ethiopia - Abstract
Epizootic lymphangitis is one of the major chronic contagious disease of equine which cause pyogenic, ulcerative, and generalized spreading pyogranulomatous, multifocal dermatitis with lymphadenitis, and a cord like appearance of the subcutaneous lymphatic vessels. It is caused by dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum species. Equine Epizootic lymphangitiscan be seen commonly in the extremities along front and hind legs, chest wall, belly and the neck. The disease is endemic in some countries of West, North, North east Africa, East Africa (Ethiopia) and Asia including India, Pakistan and Japan, where it is mostly diffused in areas characterized by humid and hot climates. The incidence of epizootic lymphangitis disease will become high only when large numbers of animal’s population were collected together such as seen in military situations or congregation for racing, in addition mortalities were low. The mode of transmission of Epizootic lymphangitis disease includes transmission by direct or indirect contact of Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum with traumatized skin, by biting flies, by ticks or by inhalation of fungus. There are three forms of epizootic lymphangitis disease in horse exist in Ethiopia: cutaneous, ocular, and respiratory. The cutaneous form is most common, causing a chronic, suppurative, ulcerating pyogranulomatous dermatitis and lymphangitis. Diagnosis of epizootic lymphangitis depends on the clinical sign, history of animals and laboratory confirmation. And, differential diagnosis which confuse with different disease for instance; The skin form of the disease may be confused with the skin form of glanders, ulcerative lymphangitis, indolent ulcers sporotrichosis, strangles and cutaneous lymph sarcomas. Treatment of Epizootic
lymphangitis is mandatory to prevent spreading of the infection, whereas for disease control, culling infected horses and adoption of hygiene measures (e.g., cleaning and disinfection) and insects control are required. Control of this disease should be by vaccination and appropriate wound management with administration of iodine, intravenous injection of sodium iodide and amphotericin B. The objective of this paper is to overview the causative agent, diagnosis, control and prevention of equine Epizootic Lymphangitis.