| Akabane virus | |
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| Transmission electron micrograph of the Akabane virus | |
Virus classification | |
| (unranked): | Virus |
| Realm: | Riboviria |
| Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
| Phylum: | Negarnaviricota |
| Class: | Bunyaviricetes |
| Order: | Elliovirales |
| Family: | Peribunyaviridae |
| Genus: | Orthobunyavirus |
| Species: | Orthobunyavirus akabaneense |
| Synonyms | |
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Akabane virus is aninsect-transmitted virus that causes congenital abnormalities of the central nervous systems inruminants.[2][3] The virus is found in Australia, where it is most commonly spread by biting midges of theCulicoides species.[4]
Malformation of the joints, brain, spine and jaw are common in affected newborn animals. Abortion may also occur if damage to the fetus is severe.[5]
Viral isolation can be attempted withimmunofluorescence orPCR.[5]
Vaccination is used to control the spread of disease. Control of the insect vectors is advisable if possible, but often difficult to implement.[5]
A European outbreak of a novel orthobunyavirus began in 2011. The virus was initially isolated nearSchmallenberg inGermany, and has been informally namedSchmallenberg virus.[6][7][8] Schmallenberg virus falls in the Simbu serogroup of orthobunyaviruses, in which the aino and akabane viruses are also grouped. It is considered to be most closely related to theSathuperi andDouglas viruses.[9]
Authority control databases: National |
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