Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (IE) virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that fan ca use encephalitis and death in horses and humans. It is an emerging disease of international concern because it has been spreading into previously none ndemic areas. Major epidemics may occur where the virus moves into new area s, but many infections are subclinical. This article presents information o n the virus, its epidemiology, and what Little information has been publish ed on the disease in horses. The methods available for the diagnosis and co ntrol of JE are described and issues raised, particularly for those countri es faced with the threat of imminent incursions as the virus extends its ra nge.