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Part of a background article from Mongolia
A deep concern in Mongolia is also the possible cross-species jump of the H5N1 virus to horses, revered in folklore as helping fierce Mongol warriors led by Genghis Khan conquer Asia riding on their backs.
According to FAO livestock figures, there are about 2.2 million horses in Mongolia that has a human population of 2.79 million.
It is widely known that horses are susceptible to two relatively host-specific influenza A virus, H3N8 and H7N7. But virologists have also discovered that receptor specificity for influenza viruses in horses and birds are the same -- that is the avian influenza virus recognises sugars ending in alpha 2-3 linkage sialic acids that are also found in horse cells.
And this deeply troubles Prof. Otgonbaatar.
?'The habitat of Mongolian horses and migratory birds overlap as they share common water sources. If H5N1 virus is present in migratory birds there is potential for horses to be exposed to this virus via contaminated water,'' he pointed out.
The Mongolian government has started research to see if horses are susceptible to the H5N1 virus with the help of agencies like FAO and funding from the Japanese government.
?'Urgent surveillance is needed around lake areas which are also shared by horses and we hope to get more funds from international donors to be able to do that efficiently,'' added Prof. Otgonbaatar. (END/2006)
A deep concern in Mongolia is also the possible cross-species jump of the H5N1 virus to horses, revered in folklore as helping fierce Mongol warriors led by Genghis Khan conquer Asia riding on their backs.
According to FAO livestock figures, there are about 2.2 million horses in Mongolia that has a human population of 2.79 million.
It is widely known that horses are susceptible to two relatively host-specific influenza A virus, H3N8 and H7N7. But virologists have also discovered that receptor specificity for influenza viruses in horses and birds are the same -- that is the avian influenza virus recognises sugars ending in alpha 2-3 linkage sialic acids that are also found in horse cells.
And this deeply troubles Prof. Otgonbaatar.
?'The habitat of Mongolian horses and migratory birds overlap as they share common water sources. If H5N1 virus is present in migratory birds there is potential for horses to be exposed to this virus via contaminated water,'' he pointed out.
The Mongolian government has started research to see if horses are susceptible to the H5N1 virus with the help of agencies like FAO and funding from the Japanese government.
?'Urgent surveillance is needed around lake areas which are also shared by horses and we hope to get more funds from international donors to be able to do that efficiently,'' added Prof. Otgonbaatar. (END/2006)