Arboviruses of Veterinary Significance in the Asia-western Pacific Region, Such as Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Arboviral diseases receive serious consideration as the emerging infectious diseases globally. In veterinary medicine there are both zoonotic agents and primarily animal pathogens warranting concern. Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus are two zoonotic arboviral agents that have had a major impact globally in recent years, Japanese encephalitis in the Asia-Western Pacific area and West Nile in Europe, the Middle east and North America. OIE Member Countries of the Regional Commission for Asia, the Far East and Oceania were surveyed by questionnaire to assess levels of concern and preparedness for these diseases within the region, as well as seeking information on other arboviral infections of domestic animals that may be recognized. Responses indicated varying levels of diagnostic capability and hence of specific information regarding the nominated viruses. There was widespread recognition of the public health implications of Japanese encephalitis. Bovine ephemeral fever was the most widely reported arboviral animal pathogen. Where Member Countries rate it a priority, there is particular scope for collaboration in development of common approaches to laboratory diagnosis of arboviral diseases and the systems of laboratory quality assurance to manage the diagnostic capability. More generally, there is scope to discuss common approaches to emergency animal disease preparedness, including preparedness for zoonotic arboviral disease.