Infectious Diseases in Donkeys and Mules: An Overview and Update

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science Vol. 65; pp. 98 - 105
• Main Authors: Barrandeguy, María E., Carossino, Mariano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-06-2018
• Subjects: Bacterial disease; Donkey; Hemoparasite; Infectious disease; Mule; Viral disease; Infectious disease; Hemoparasite; Donkey; Mule; Viral disease; Bacterial disease
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.02.026

The global equine population comprises a total of 114 million equids, which includes an estimate of 44 million donkeys (Equus asinus) and 11 million mules. Donkey populations have gradually expanded throughout the globe, particularly in developing countries. In spite of their relevance in several countries around the world, the infectious diseases affecting this group of equids are largely unknown; consequently, the available information regarding infectious diseases affecting working equids is limited. The scope of this article is to provide a brief update on the most relevant infectious diseases affecting donkeys and mules worldwide.
•The impact of different infectious diseases on working equids is largely unknown.•Differences in disease outcome are observed between working equids and horses.•Working equids play a critical epidemiological role for several infectious diseases.