Serum neutralizing antibody to Akabane virus (genus bunyavirus, family Bunyaviridae) was found in a high proportion (50–95%) of cattle sampled in Kenya, while sheep and goats had fewer positive (13–33%). Camel and horse sera also contained antibody to the virus (70% and 50% respectively). The antibody was found in animals from the high altitude temperate type of grasslands, drier bushed and wooded grasslands and the semi-desert. No arthrogryposisnor hydranencephaly has been encountered in Kenya which might be related to this widespread virus infection.
A wide range of Kenyan wild ruminants had antibody to Akabane virus in their sera, as also did zebra.