Goatpox: A Review

Abstract

Abstract Goatpox, a malignant disease of goats, characterized by fever and generalized pocks has been reported from all parts of the world Although, the disease is generally benign in adults, recent outbreaks revealed almost 100% morbidity and mortality in kids. The etiologic agent, though had host preference, is indistinguishable from sheeppox virus, hence the name capripox virus has been suggested to incorporate both the viral agents. The size of virus is 250–280x 212–260 nm and external dimensions of a few forms of sheeppox, goatpox and lumpy skin disease viruses do not vary significantly. Majority of the strains are relatively heat resistant and sensitive to ether and chloroform. The virus can be cultivated in different cell cultures of sheep and goat origin and produce characteristic cytopathic effects. The disease is mainly transmitted by contact. After an incubation period of 8–12 days, generalized lesions are seen more in young animals. The disease can be diagnosed by characteristic pox lesions, demonstration of virus particles by electron-microscopy and serological tests like gel diffusion, CIE, FAT, ELISA, coagglutination and capillary agglutination tests. Various inactivated and live attenuated vaccines have been used with good results but recently a single vaccine effective against sheeppox and goatpox has been evolved.