Neutralising antibodies to Akabane virus in free-living wild animals in Africa.

A total of 2,895 sera collected between 1963 and 1983 from 41 different species of free-living wildlife in 11 African countries South of the Sahara was examined for serum neutralising antibodies to Akabane virus. Antibodies were demonstrated in 25 species including 16 species not previously reported to be susceptible to this virus. Results indicate that infection is widespread in Africa and has been present for a considerable time. The prevalence of antibodies suggests that some free-living species may act as reservoir hosts of infection in the wild.