Spatio-temporal analysis of sheep and goat pox outbreaks in Uganda during 2011-2022.

BACKGROUND: Sheep and goat pox (SGP) caused by sheep poxvirus (SPV) and goat poxvirus (GPV) respectively; are transboundary and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)-notifiable viral diseases. There is barely any coherent information about the distribution and prevalence of SGP for Uganda. We therefore conducted this study to describe the temporal and spatial distribution of SGP suspected outbreaks in Uganda for the period 2011-2020 as well as serologically confirm presence of SGP antibodies in suspected SGP outbreaks reported in 2021-2022. RESULTS: Thirty-seven [37] SGP outbreaks were reported across the country during the study period. North-eastern region [that comprises of Karamoja region] had the highest number of outbreaks [n = 17, 45%]; followed by Central [n = 9, 2.4%], Northern [n = 8, 2.2%] and Western region [n = 3, 0.08%]. Reports from district veterinary personnel indicate that the prevalence of; and mortality rate and case fatality rate associated with SGP were 0.06%, 0.02% and 32% respectively. There was a steady increase in the number of reported SGP outbreaks [x̄ = 4] over the study period. Seropositivity of SGPV antibodies in outbreak sheep and goats that were investigated during the study period [2021-2022] was [n = 41, 27%, 95 CI;] CONCLUSION: Our analyses of SGPV passive and active reports indicate that SGP is present in Uganda with a decade long average of four outbreaks per annum. During this period, about a third of all SGPV-clinically infected animals died. SPG is therefore a major constraint to small ruminant health and productivity in Uganda. Introduction of animals from infected herds and breach in farm biosecurity were the most important predictors of SGP outbreaks. In addition to the already existing SGP commercial vaccines, small ruminant screening for SGPV before introducing them to naïve herds and ensuring on farm biosecurity should be part of the SGP control tool pack for Ugandan small ruminant farmers.

A recombinant capripoxvirus expressing the F protein of peste des petits ruminants virus and the P12A3C of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

BACKGROUND: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and sheep pox and goat pox are three important infectious diseases that infect goats, sheep and other small ruminants. It is well-known that the prevention of three diseases rely mainly on their individual vaccines. However, the vaccines have a variety of different disadvantages, such as short duration of immunity, increasing the number of vaccinations, and poor thermal stability. The purpose of this study is to construct a recombinant goat pox virus (rGPV) capable of expressing the F gene of PPRV and the P12A3C gene of FMDV as a live vector vaccine. RESULTS: The IRES, FMDV P12A3C and PPRV F genes into the multi-cloning site of the universal transfer plasmid pTKfpgigp to construct a recombinant transfer plasmid pTKfpgigpFiP12A3C, and transfected GPV-infected lamb testis (LT) cells with liposomes and produced by homologous recombination Recombinant GPV (rGPV/PPRVF-FMDVP12A3C, rGPV). The rGPV was screened and purified by green florescence protein (GFP) and xanthine-guanine-phosphoribosyltransferase gene (gpt) of Escherichia coli as selective markers, and the expression of rGPV in LT cells was detected by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence techniques. The results showed that the virus strain rGPV/PPRVF-FMDVP12A3C containing FMDV P12A3C and PPRV F genes was obtained. The exogenous genes FMDV P12A3C and PPRV F contained in rGPV were normally transcribed and translated in LT cells, and the expression products could specifically react with PPRV and FMDV antiserum. Then, the rGPV was intradermally inoculated with goats, the animal experiments showed that rGPV/PPRVF-FMDVP12A3C could induce high levels of specific antibodies against GPV, PPRV and FMDV. CONCLUSIONS: The constructed rGPV induced high levels of specific antibodies against GPV, PPRV and FMDV. The study provides a reference for " one vaccine with multiple uses " of GPV live vector vaccine.

Spatiotemporal and seasonality analysis of sheep and goat pox (SGP) disease outbreaks in Turkey between 2010 and 2019.

Sheep and goat pox (SGP) is a highly infectious disease with a high case fatality rate. It causes serious economic losses and decreases productivity in infected facilities and contact areas. As in many countries of the world, SGP outbreaks reported from Turkey to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) continue to threaten animal health. Therefore, studies that will guide the production of effective policies to prevent and control SGP are extremely important. This study aims at evaluating the spatiotemporal distribution of SGP outbreaks by geographical information system (GIS)-based analyses. In accordance with this purpose, spatiotemporal scan analyses were applied to reveal the spatiotemporal distribution pattern and transmission of SGP outbreaks reported in Turkey between 2010 and 2019. Space-time cluster analysis revealed 4 several clusters, indicating geographic areas at the highest risk. Spatiotemporal clusters were 6 to 11 times more likely to be exposed to SGP than the general distribution. The average spatiotemporal density of outbreaks in clusters was estimated as 0.20 ± 0.07 outbreaks per 1000 km2 per month. Seasonal analysis and time series analysis showed similar findings. The seasonality of SGP was mainly defined in the winter (from December to February) when the seasonal adjusted factor (SAF) was at a peak of 504.6. In addition, February had the highest SAF with 7.1. Directional distribution analysis showed that the transmission of SGP was oriented between northeast (NE)-southwest (SW) and northwest (NW)-southeast (SE) and that distribution was changed every 2 years. These findings present a basis for the effective monitoring and prevention of SGP and provide valuable information to policymakers.

Epidemiology and clinico-pathological characteristics of current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: In view of the current swine fever outbreak and the government aspiration to increase the goat population, a need arises to control and prevent outbreaks of goat pox. Despite North Vietnam facing sporadic cases of goat pox, this most recent outbreak had the highest recorded morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate. Thus, owing to the likelihood of a widespread recurrence of goat pox infection, an analysis of that outbreak was done based on selected signalment, management and disease pattern (signs and pathology) parameters. This includes examination of animals, inspection of facilities, tissue sampling and analysis for confirmation of goatpox along with questionaires. RESULTS: It was found that the susceptible age group were between 3 and 6 months old kids while higher infection rate occurred in those under the free-range rearing system. The clinical signs of pyrexia, anorexia, nasal discharge and lesions of pocks were not restricted to the skin but have extended into the lung and intestine. The pathogen had been confirmed in positive cases via PCR as goat pox with prevalence of 79.69%. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of the current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam denotes a significant prevalence which may affect the industry. This signals the importance of identifying the salient clinical signs and post mortem lesions of goat pox at the field level in order to achieve an effective control of the disease.

Spread and impact of goat pox ("sagolay bohonta") in a village smallholder community around Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India.

During September and October 2017, a highly fatal outbreak of a disease clinically indistinguishable from goat pox occurred in the villages around the Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. This was investigated through clinical examination of affected animals, individual interviews with goat keepers and participatory village meetings. Laboratory confirmation was impractical due to the isolation and poverty of the affected community and unnecessary due to the specific nature of the clinical signs. Respondents reported not having encountered the disease previously, and it would appear that a naïve local population developed within an endemically affected region because of a trend to avoid purchasing animals from outside the village. Local grazing practices appear to have had a role in both the spread and control of the outbreak. Goats are an important form of savings and cash income to people in the locality, and the outbreak may result in considerable financial hardship for affected goat keepers. We provide a detailed description of the clinical disease and the spread of the outbreak in the locality. Awareness of the disease with reference to farming practices will provide opportunities for future disease control to enhance animal welfare and rural prosperity.

A real time high-resolution melting PCR assay for detection and differentiation among sheep pox virus, goat pox virus, field and vaccine strains of lumpy skin disease virus.

In this paper, we report on the development of a real time high-resolution melting (HRM) PCR assay for detection and differentiation among sheep pox virus (SPPV), goat pox virus (GTPV), field isolates and vaccine strains of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) based on high-resolution melting curve analysis of their target PCR amplicons. A 111 bp region of LSDV010 ORF, which harbors unique genetic differences for each of these viral species, was selected as the PCR target in this study. During the validation of this assay using DNA from clinical isolates originated from naturally infected animals from the different geographic locations and reference strains, the obtained PCR amplicons demonstrated that the melting temperature picks were specific for each tested viral species, i.e., 74.56 ±â€¯0.04 °C for field LSDV, 74.95 ±â€¯0.08 °C for vaccine LSDV, 74.24 ±â€¯0.06 °C for SPPV and 73.61 ±â€¯0.04 °C for GTPV. The assessment of the assay sensitivity utilizing a LSDV field strain as a PCR template revealed the assay detection limit as low as 0.1 TCD50 lg/ml. Overall, this assay based on Rotor-Gene Q (QIAGEN) platform was shown to be reproducible across replicates and operators and can be recommended as an additional diagnostic tool to the currently available molecular assays for detection and differentiation of the genus Capripoxvirus species, including the differentiation of vaccine strains of LSDV from field isolates. The assay can be used for detection of these viruses in animal- and insect-derived field specimens.

Identification and functional analysis of the GTPV bidirectional promoter region.

The goat pox chick embryo-attenuated virus (GTPV) has been developed as an effective vaccine that can elicit protective immune responses. It possesses a large genome and a robust ability to express exogenous genes. Thus, this virus is an ideal vector for recombinant live vaccines for infectious diseases in ruminant animals. In this study, we identified a novel bidirectional promoter region of GTPV through screening named PbVV(±). PbVV(±) is located between ETF-l and VITF-3, which are transcribed in opposite directions. A new recombinant goat pox virus (rGTPV) was constructed, in which duplicate PbVV(+) was used as a promoter element to enhance Brucella OMP31 expression, and duplicate PbVV(-) was used as a promoter element to regulate enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at the same time as the selection marker. PbVV(-) promoter activity was compared to that of the P7.5 promoter of vaccinia virus, as measured by EGFP expression; the fluorescence intensity of EGFP expressed in cells was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. PbVV(+) promoter activity was measured by Brucella OMP31 expression. Interaction with the anti-Brucella-OMP31 monoclonal antibody was confirmed by western blotting, and OMP31 mRNA expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. The results of this study will be useful for the further study of effective multivalent vaccines based on rGTPV. This study also provides a theoretical basis for overcoming the problem of low expression of exogenous genes.

Sero-prevalence, risk factors and distribution of sheep and goat pox in Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Sheep pox and goat pox are contagious viral diseases of sheep and goats, respectively. The diseases result in substantial economic losses due to decreased milk and meat production, damage to hides and wool, and possible trade restriction. A study was undertaken in Amhara region of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate the sero-prevalence and identify associated risk factors, while retrospective study design was used to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of the disease. A total of 672 serum samples were collected from 30 Kebeles and tested using virus neutralization test. RESULTS: From a total of 672 sera tested, 104 (15.5%) were positive for sheep and goat pox virus antibody; from which 56 (17%) were sheep and 48 (14%) were goats. The diseases were prevalent in all study zones, the highest sero-prevalence was observed in South Gondar (20.9%) and the lowest in North Gondar and West Gojjam zones (11.9% each). From the potential risk factors considered (species, sex, age, agro-ecology and location); only sex and age were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the diseases in multivariable logistic regression. Female and young animals were at higher risk than their counterparts. From January 2010 to December 2014, a total of 366 outbreaks, 12,822 cases and 1480 deaths due to SP and 182 outbreaks, 10,066 cases and 997 deaths due to GP were recorded in Amhara National Regional State. CONCLUSION: Both the serological and the outbreak data revealed that sheep and goat pox is one of the most prevalent and widespread diseases of sheep and goats in the study area. Hence, annual mass vaccination program must be implemented for economic and viable control of sheep and goat pox diseases in the Amhara region in particular and at a national level in general.

An epidemiological overview of small ruminant diseases in Algeria.

Small ruminant production is one of the main sources of meat in Algeria and plays a vital role in the country's food security. Algeria's small ruminant industry has the potential to improve the living standards of farmers and households, as well as to increase animal protein availability to the public, and as a consequence to alleviate poverty and improve health. This review describes the main infectious diseases that have an impact on small ruminant production in Algeria. It also discusses the adopted control measures for these diseases. The epidemiological status of small ruminant diseases in Algeria is striking and the main infectious diseases threatening its small ruminant industry are peste des petits ruminants, bluetongue, foot and mouth disease, sheep pox/goat pox, brucellosis and Rift Valley fever. Therefore, the establishment of early warning systems and the proper implementation of control measures are needed in order to prevent, control and/or eradicate these diseases that have a significant impact on Algeria's economy.

Le secteur de l'élevage de petits ruminants constitue l'une des principales sources d'approvisionnement de viande en Algérie et joue un rôle vital pour la sécurité alimentaire du pays. Le secteur des petits ruminants en Algérie a les capacités potentielles d'améliorer le niveau de vie des éleveurs et des ménages tout en augmentant l'offre de protéines d'origine animale disponibles pour les consommateurs, permettant par là même d'alléger la pauvreté et d'améliorer la santé publique. L'auteur décrit les principales maladies infectieuses affectant le secteur des petits ruminants en Algérie. Il examine également les mesures mises en oeuvre pour lutter contre ces maladies. Le statut épidémiologique des maladies des petits ruminants en Algérie est frappant ; les principales maladies infectieuses menaçant le secteur des petits ruminants sont : la peste des petits ruminants, la fièvre catarrhale ovine, la fièvre aphteuse, la clavelée et la variole caprine, la brucellose et la fièvre de la vallée du Rift. Par conséquent, il est nécessaire de mettre en place des systèmes d'alerte précoce et de veiller à la mise en oeuvre appropriée des mesures de contrôle afin de prévenir, de contrôler et/ou d'éradiquer ces maladies, dont l'impact sur l'économie algérienne est considérable.

Dado que los pequeños rumiantes son en Argelia una de las principales fuentes de carne, este sector productivo cumple una función capital para la seguridad alimentaria del país. La industria argelina de los pequeños rumiantes ofrece, en potencia, la perspectiva de mejorar los niveles de vida de productores y familias, poner a disposición de la población una mayor cantidad de proteínas animales y, en consecuencia, aliviar la pobreza y mejorar los niveles de salud del país. Tras enumerar las principales enfermedades infecciosas que repercuten en la producción argelina de pequeños rumiantes, el autor examina también las medidas instituidas para combatir esas enfermedades. La situación epidemiológica de las enfermedades de los pequeños rumiantes en Argelia resulta llamativa. Las principales enfermedades infecciosas que amenazan la producción del sector son: peste de pequeños rumiantes, lengua azul, fiebre aftosa, viruela ovina/ caprina, brucelosis y fiebre del Valle del Rift. Por ello, a fin de prevenir, controlar y/o erradicar estas enfermedades, que inciden notablemente en la economía de Argelia, es necesario instaurar sistemas de alerta rápida y aplicar debidamente medidas de lucha.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of sheep pox and goat pox viruses in clinical samples.

A Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the highly conserved DNA polymerase gene of capripox virus genome was developed and evaluated for rapid detection of sheep pox and goat pox viruses. The optimized LAMP assay is found specific and sensitive for amplification of target DNA with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 96.6% and 100% respectively compared to quantitative PCR. The detection rate of LAMP, PCR and Q-PCR assays is found to be 81.5%, 67% and 83% respectively. This LAMP assay has the potential for rapid clinical diagnosis and surveillance of sheep pox and goat pox in field diagnostic laboratories.

Association of Human Q Fever with Animal Husbandry, Taiwan, 2004-2012.

In Taiwan, Q fever cases in humans began increasing in 2004 and peaked in 2007 but dramatically declined in 2008 and 2011. Cases were significantly correlated with the number of goats. The decline might be associated with the collateral effects of measures to control goat pox in 2008 and 2010.

Persistence of maternal antibodies against goat pox virus in goat kids.

BACKGROUND: In goat kids, choosing the appropriate age to administer the first dose of goat pox disease (GTP) vaccine requires knowing when maternal antibody decline concentrations. OBJECTIVE: Determine the persistence of maternal antibodies against goat pox virus (GTPV) in goat kids. ANIMALS: Twenty Saanen goat kids from birth to 120 days old. METHODS: In 2 groups, including: control (receiving colostrum from nonvaccinated does) and treatment (receiving colostrum from vaccinated does). On zero, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70, 100 and 120 days after the birth, virus neutralization test was used to measure the serum concentration of antibodies against GTPV. RESULTS: At the age of 56 days, the first seronegative goat kids (n = 2) were recorded in the treatment group. At the age of 120 days, all the goat kids in the treatment group were seronegative. The average virus neutralization index (VNI) of the goat kids became negative at the age of 100 to 120 days. All goat kids in the control group were negative at all times. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: One hundred to 120 days of the age seems to be the time to administer the first GTP vaccine in the goat kids with passive immunity against goat pox.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of sheep and goat pox virus in selected districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

IMPORTANCE: Sheep and goat pox (SGP) virus infection is a highly fatal viral infection of small ruminants that causes major production losses in sheep and goats in Ethiopia while also limiting international trade. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of SGP infection and assess related risk variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2023 on 384 serum samples taken from sheep and goats. A serum neutralization test was conducted to detect the presence of antibodies against the SGP virus in Wolaita Sodo Regional Laboratory. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence rate of SGP was 4.95%. Factors such as sheep (8.26%), female sheep and goats (7.45%), older sheep and goats (8.33%), larger flock size of sheep and goats (10.47%), poorly conditioned sheep and goats (31.58%), sheep and goats with a tick on their skin (10.38%), and animals that had not been vaccinated (5.17%) were found to have higher seroprevalence. Furthermore, the seropositivity in sheep was five times greater than in goats (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-15.99). Additionally, large-sized flocks of sheep and goats were more likely to be seropositive to pox disease than small-sized flocks (AOR, 6.73; 95% CI, 1.58-28.67). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Thus, the study revealed the prevalence of SGP in the Wolaita zone. Additional research should be conducted to estimate the extent of the disease at the regional level, and management measures should be implemented to reduce the economic losses associated with this condition.

Expression of goat poxvirus P32 protein and monoclonal antibody preparation.

P32 protein serves as a crucial structural component of Goat pox virus (GTPV), which causes a highly virulent infectious disease in sheep and goats. Despite the fact that P32 has been widely expressed in the previous studies, it is difficult to obtain recombinant P32 efficiently. This study aimed to achieve soluble expression of P32 recombinant protein and to develop its specific monoclonal antibody. The gene fragment of P32Δ (GP32Δ) was synthesized by optimizing the coding sequence of amino acids 1-246 of the known goatpox P32 protein. Subsequently, GP32Δ was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector for expression and purification, resulting in the successful production of soluble recombinant protein rP32Δ. Utilizing rP32Δ, an indirect ELISA method was established by immunizing 6-week-old BALB/c mice with inactivated GTPV as the antigen. Through hybridoma technology, three monoclonal antibody hybridoma cell lines secreting anti-goat pox virus rP32Δ were screened, designated as 2F3, 3E8, and 4H5, respectively. These monoclonal antibodies, classified as IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b, respectively, with κappa light chains, were characterized following ascites preparation and purification. Indirect ELISA results demonstrated that the ELISA potency of the three monoclonal antibodies exceeded 1:12800. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed specific reactivity of both 3E8 and 4H5 with rP32Δ, while immunofluorescence assays confirmed 3E8's ability to specifically recognize GTPV in cells. The preceding findings demonstrate the successful acquisition of the soluble expressed recombinant P32 protein and its specific monoclonal antibody 3E8 in this study, thereby laying a foundational material basis for the establishment of a GTPV detection method.

Development and application of a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect lumpy skin disease virus belonging to the Kenyan sheep and goat pox group.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks in Southeast and South Asia are attributed to different lineages of LSD virus (LSDV). Variants belonging to the novel recombinant cluster 2.5 circulate in China and Thailand, while a Kenyan sheep and goat pox (KSGP) strain from cluster 1.1 circulates in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The clusters representing these circulating strains are vastly different. However, if their distribution encroaches into each other's ranges, it will be impossible to differentiate between them due to the lack of suitable molecular tools. Thus, fit-for-purpose molecular tools are in demand to effectively and timeously diagnose and investigate the epidemiology of LSDVs in a region. These could significantly contribute to the phylogenetic delineation of LSDVs and the development of preventive measures against transboundary spillovers. This work aimed to develop a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay targeting open reading frame LW032, capable of specifically detecting KSGP-related isolates and recombinant LSDV strains containing the KSGP backbone. The analytical specificity was proven against the widest possible panel of recombinant vaccine-like LSDV strains known to date. The amplification efficiency was 91.08%, and the assay repeatability had a cycle threshold variation of 0.56-1.1 over five repetitions across three runs. This KSGP-specific assay is reliable and fast and is recommended for use in LSDV epidemiological studies where the accurate detection of KSGP genetic signatures is a priority, particularly in regions where KSGP-like and other lineages are circulating.

Crossing the Line: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Transboundary Animal Diseases Along the Tanzania-Zambia Border.

Transboundary pathogens pose a threat to livelihood security in countries such as Zambia and Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), sheep and goat pox virus (SGPV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Brucella spp. in sheep and goats along the Tanzania-Zambia border. Another aim was to assess the association between certain predictor variables and seroprevalence, focusing on trade and proximity to an international border, to a town and to the Tanzania-Zambia highway. During September-October 2018, 486 serum samples from small ruminants in Zambia and 491 in Tanzania were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A questionnaire focused on management strategies was administered to each household. The animal-level seroprevalence in Zambia was 0.21% [95% confidence interval (CI) (0.01-1.14) for PPRV, 1.03% (95% CI 0.33-2.39) for FMDV, 0% (95% CI 0-0.76) for SGPV, 2.26% (95% CI 1.14-4.01) for RVFV and 1.65% (95% CI 0.71-3.22) for Brucella spp.]. In Tanzania, animal-level seroprevalence was 2.85% (95% CI 1.57-4.74) for PPRV, 16.9% (95% CI 13.7-20.5) for FMDV, 0.20% (95% CI 0.01-1.13) for SGPV, 3.26% (95% CI 1.87-5.24) for RVFV and 20.0% (95% CI 14.5-26.5) for Brucella spp. For PPRV (OR 6.83, 95% CI 1.37-34.0, p = 0.019) and FMDV (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.58-20.3, p = 0.008), herds situated more than 30 km from an international border were more likely to be seropositive, while being located 10-30 km (OR 4.43, 95% CI 1.22-16.1 p = 0.024) from a border was identified as a risk factor for Brucella spp. For FMDV (OR 79.2, 95% CI 4.52-1388.9, p = 0.003), being situated within 30 km from a town was associated with seropositivity. Furthermore, contact with wild ruminants (OR 18.2, 95% CI 1.36-244), and the presence of sheep in the household (OR 5.20, 95% CI 1.00-26.9, p = 0.049), was associated with seropositivity for PPRV, and FMDV. No significant associations between trade or distance to the Tan-Zam highway and seroprevalence were found. We recommend that the impact of trade and proximity to borders, towns and roads should be further evaluated in larger studies, ideally incorporating aspects such as temporal trade fluctuations.

Assessment of the Impact of Sheep and Goat Pox Lesions on Skin Quality in Selected Ware Houses of Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The study was performed from January 2016 to May 2017 with the aim of identifying the impact of sheep and goat pox in skin quality in selected localities of central Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1360 fresh, salted and dried skins were examined and graded. Pox lesion positive skins were examined by PCR to identify the agent. RESULTS: The prevalence of sheep and goat in the study areas was 4.022%. From a total of 86 rejected skins, a large number of skins were in the rejected category (2.78%). There were highly statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) between sheep and goat pox and species and study areas. However, there were no statically significant associations (p > 0.05) between skin size and sheep and pox. Molecular diagnosis of the case revealed that goat pox virus was responsible for the lesion. CONCLUSION: Goat pox virus is the main cause of skin rejection and the factor that causes downgrading of skin.

Development and Evaluation of an Indirect Capripoxvirus ELISA Based on Truncated P32 Protein Expressed in E. coli.

As notifiable diseases, lumpy skin disease (LSD), sheep pox (SPP), and goat pox (GTP) are associated with a profound effect on cattle, sheep, and goat farming industries. Development of the ELISA method could effectively facilitate serodiagnosis of the infected animals. This study aimed to develop an ELISA system based on the recombinant full-length and truncated P32 protein (Tr.P32) of goat pox virus. The P32 protein was expressed in Rosetta strain of E. coli using pET24a+ vector and evaluated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Then, Tr.P32 was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions and used to develop a capripoxvirus-specific ELISA. Checkerboard titration and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used to optimize the ELISA system and determine diagnostic specificity and sensitivity, respectively. The diagnostic potential of the developed ELISA was evaluated using positive and negative control sera collected from goat, sheep, and cattle. Results showed that the expression level of full-length P32 recombinant protein was negligible, while Tr.P32, a ~ 31 kDa recombinant protein, was expressed up to 0.270-0.300 mg/200 mL of culture media. The results of checkerboard titration revealed that 675 ng/well of Tr.P32 antigen and 1:10 dilution of control sera (anti GTPV HIS and healthy goat sera) caused maximum difference in absorbance between positive and negative goat sera. The recombinant Tr.P32 showed good reactions with antibodies against GTP virus (GTPV), SPP virus (SPPV), and LSD virus (LSDV), whereas no cross-reactions with anti-Orf virus antibodies were detected. By comparing with the neutralization index (NI), cut off, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the developed indirect-ELISA were estimated, 0.397, 94% and 96.6%, respectively. These findings indicate that the ELISA system based on Tr.P32 protein could potentially be used in sero-surveillance of all capripoxviruses; however, further investigations are required.

Review of sheep and goat pox disease: current updates on epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and control measures in Ethiopia.

Sheep pox, goat pox, and lumpy skin diseases are economically significant and contagious viral diseases of sheep, goats and cattle, respectively, caused by the genus Capripoxvirus (CaPV) of the family Poxviridae. Currently, CaPV infection of small ruminants (sheep and goats) has been distributed widely and are prevalent in Central Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. This disease poses challenges to food production and distribution, affecting rural livelihoods in most African countries, including Ethiopia. Transmission occurs mainly by direct or indirect contact with infected animals. They cause high morbidity (75-100% in endemic areas) and mortality (10-85%). Additionally, the mortality rate can approach 100% in susceptible animals. Diagnosis largely relies on clinical symptoms, confirmed by laboratory testing using real-time PCR, electron microscopy, virus isolation, serology and histology. Control and eradication of sheep pox virus (SPPV), goat pox virus (GTPV), and lumpy skin disease (LSDV) depend on timely recognition of disease eruption, vector control, and movement restriction. To date, attenuated vaccines originating from KSGPV O-180 strains are effective and widely used in Ethiopia to control CaPV throughout the country. This vaccine strain is clinically safe to control CaPV in small ruminants but not in cattle which may be associated with insufficient vaccination coverage and the production of low-quality vaccines.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Economic Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease, Sheeppox and Goatpox Among Subsistence Farmers in Northeast Nigeria.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), sheeppox (SP), and goatpox (GP) are contagious viral infections, affecting cattle (LSD), sheep and goats (SP and GP) with highly characteristic clinical signs affecting multiple body systems. All three diseases are widely reported to reduce meat, milk, wool and cashmere production although few studies have formally evaluated their economic impact on affected farms. This study aimed to estimate the economic impact and epidemiological parameters of LSD, SP, and GP among backyard and transhumance farmers in northeast Nigeria. A retrospective study was conducted on herds and flocks affected between August 2017 and January 2018 in Bauchi, Nigeria. Herds and flocks were diagnosed based on clinical signs and information was collected once the outbreak concluded using a standardized questionnaire. Data were collected from 99 farmers (87 backyard and 12 transhumance). The median incidence risk and fatality rate were 33 and 0% in cattle, 53 and 34 % in sheep; 50 and 33% in goats, respectively, with young stock having higher incidence risk and fatality rates than adults. Almost all farmers (94%) treated affected animals with antibiotics, spending a median of US$1.96 (min US$0.19-max US$27.5) per herd per day. Slaughtering or selling affected animals at low prices were common coping strategies. Farmers sold live cattle for 47% less than would have been sold if the animal was healthy, while sheep and goats were sold for 58 and 57% less, respectively. Milk production dropped 65% when cows were clinically affected and 35% after they recovered. Cattle lost a median of 10% of their live weight and sheep and goats lost 15%. Overall economic losses at farm level range from US$9.6 to US$6,340 depending on species affected and production system. Most of the farmers (72%) had not replaced all affected animals at the time of the study. Livestock markets were the most common place to sell affected animals and buy replacements, suggesting these are likely hubs for spreading infections. This study confirms the immediate and long-lasting impact of these diseases on subsistence farmers' livelihoods in North-East Nigeria and suggests potential mechanisms for targeted control.