Transmission of Rinderpest by Contact from Cattle to Sheep and Goats

Abstract

SUMMARY Contact transmission of rinderpest from cattle to sheep and goats, and from these to other sheep and goats is described. Virulent rinderpest virus was recovered from the nose and faeces of the small ruminants. In 2 experiments, 70% and 85% of the small ruminants became infected. In a third experiment, only 6% became infected. It was postulated that the degree of contact was responsible for these differences. The clinical symptoms in the sheep and goats in 2 experiments were mild and transient; in a third experiment very severe. It was considered that a high level of nutrition and secondary agents play a role in the severity of rinderpest symptoms in the small ruminants. It was thought unlikely, although not conclusively proved, that bovine rinderpest virus could maintain itself for some time in the small ruminant population. Carriers among the sheep and goats were not found.