DOI: 10.11648/j.ajz.20260903.11 ISSN: 2994-7413

African Horse Sickness Distribution and Vaccination Coverage in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study (2019–2025)

Kurabachew Gebrehiwot
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African horse sickness (AHS) is a severe, vector-borne viral disease of equids associated with high mortality and substantial socioeconomic losses. However, regional epidemiological evidence from Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to describe the temporal, seasonal, and spatial distribution of reported AHS outbreaks and assess vaccination coverage in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using Disease Outbreak and Vaccination Activity Report (DOVAR) records from 23 districts for the period 2019–2025. Outbreak occurrence, morbidity, mortality, case fatality rate (CFR), temporal and seasonal patterns, spatial distribution, and vaccination coverage were summarized using descriptive statistics. A total of 29 outbreaks were reported in 15 of the 23 districts, involving 21,461 equids at risk. Overall, 302 cases and 217 deaths were recorded, corresponding to a morbidity rate of 1.41%, mortality rate of 1.01%, and CFR of 71.85%. Outbreak occurrence varied considerably over time, with 21 outbreaks (72.4%) reported in 2024. All reported cases occurred during the post-rainy season, with September and October accounting for 97.4% of cases and 98.6% of deaths. Siyader Wayu District recorded the highest numbers of outbreaks, cases, and deaths. Outbreak-response vaccination coverage reached 97.6%, while routine prophylactic vaccination coverage increased from 35.2% in 2019 to 78.7% in 2025. In conclusion, reported AHS occurrence showed substantial temporal and spatial variation, with a high CFR among affected equids and a marked concentration of cases during September and October. Strengthening pre-emptive vaccination before the high-risk season, seasonal surveillance, and laboratory confirmation is recommended to improve early detection and disease control.

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