Which diagnostic statement correctly identifies the method of diagnosis for AHS?

Which diagnostic statement correctly identifies the method of diagnosis for AHS?

• A. Clinical signs
• B. PCR for virus isolation
• C. Virus neutralization
• D. Complement fixation is the method of choice

Answer: (D)

Antibody-based serology is used to diagnose African horse sickness because detecting host antibodies to the virus indicates prior exposure and helps confirm infection in the herd. The complement fixation test was developed for this purpose and remains the method of choice in many settings because it is specific, relatively inexpensive, and practical for screening large numbers of horses. It can be used with paired serum samples to show a rising antibody titer, which supports recent infection or exposure. While direct detection methods like PCR or virus isolation identify active viremia and are valuable during outbreaks, they require more specialized laboratory capabilities and are time‑sensitive to the stage of infection. Virus neutralization tests are informative but more technically demanding and less convenient for routine surveillance.

Antibody-based serology is used to diagnose African horse sickness because detecting host antibodies to the virus indicates prior exposure and helps confirm infection in the herd. The complement fixation test was developed for this purpose and remains the method of choice in many settings because it is specific, relatively inexpensive, and practical for screening large numbers of horses. It can be used with paired serum samples to show a rising antibody titer, which supports recent infection or exposure. While direct detection methods like PCR or virus isolation identify active viremia and are valuable during outbreaks, they require more specialized laboratory capabilities and are time‑sensitive to the stage of infection. Virus neutralization tests are informative but more technically demanding and less convenient for routine surveillance.