Detection of Maedi-visna virus in sheep in Nineveh province

Abstract

This is a primary study in detecting a specific antibody of the Maedi-visna virus (MVV) in blood samples and viral antigen in nasal swabs from sheep. Two hundred and forty nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from sheep of different ages and health statuses in Nineveh province, Iraq. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay was used to detect specific antibodies against MVV specific proteins gp135 and p25, Whereas Agar gel immune diffusion (AGID) was used to detect antigens from nasal swabs using specific antibodies against gp135 proteins of MVV. Serological results using ELISA showed the total prevalence of MMV 22.9% and the highest prevalence of infection in sheep less than one-year-old 36.5% when compared with older animals 8.4%. Animals that suffering from respiratory problems had a higher prevalence of infection 25.7% compared with healthy animals 6.9%. AGID showed an identical reaction between Maedi-visna viruses and specific rabbit antisera with a total infection rate of 12.9%. The highest prevalence of infection was 22.4% recorded in animals less than one-year-old, the lowest percentage of infection in animals more than two years of age was 1.4%. Animals suffering from respiratory signs also showed high prevalence of infection 13.8%, while the lowest percentage of infection were recorded in healthy animals 4.6%. It has been concluded that the high prevalence of infection rate in sheep less than one-year-old and the animals which suffered from respiratory problems had higher prevalence according to ELISA and AGID testes.