Goat Pox Research Articles

When dermatologic diseases are devastating: differentiating common endemic conditions in the United States from sheep and goat pox.

This article provides information to help US-based practitioners develop differential diagnoses for, and recognize foreign animal diseases associated with, dermatologic lesions in small ruminants. Sheep and goat pox are currently considered foreign animal diseases (in the United States) and may cause lesions similar to other endemic diseases of small ruminants including orf, ulcerative dermatosis, bluetongue, and dermatophilosis. Any cases involving unusual dermatologic lesions associated with high morbidity and/or mortality warrant reporting to governmental authorities including USDA APHIS or state regulatory veterinarians for herd or flock investigations. Vigilance on the part of livestock veterinarians and small ruminant producers is of paramount importance in preventing the entry and spread of economically devastating foreign animal diseases.

Lumpy Virus and Skin Infection: A Review

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) responsible for losses in the lives of animals. It is caused due to the virus called Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). It belongs to the family Poxviridae and genus Capripoxvirus. It includes sheep pox virus as well as goat pox virus. This disease mainly affect cattle and water buffaloes. The transmission of virus is through the arthropod vectors. it is manifested by characteristics like skin nodules, pyrexia, nasal discharge, swelling of superficial lymph node, lachrymation. The disease is first observed in African and Middle East countries but has started spreading from China and Bangladesh sharing borders with India. LSD causes in female abortions and in male sterility. It can also cause the milk and beef production. This review aims to summaries the latest developments in the epidemiology with the focus on spread, aetiology and transmission, clinical presentations, diagnostics and management of the disease.

Evaluation of the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of a new live-attenuated lumpy skin disease vaccine in India

ABSTRACT Lumpy skin disease (LSD) was reported for the first time in India in 2019 and since then, it has become endemic. Since a homologous (LSD-virus based) vaccine was not available in the country, goatpox virus (GPV)-based heterologous vaccine was authorized for mass immunization to induce protection against LSD in cattle. This study describes the evaluation of safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of a new live-attenuated LSD vaccine developed by using an Indian field strain, isolated in 2019 from cattle. The virus was attenuated by continuous passage (P = 50) in Vero cells. The vaccine (50th LSDV passage in Vero cells, named as Lumpi-ProVac Ind ) did not induce any local or systemic reaction upon its experimental inoculation in calves (n = 10). At day 30 post-vaccination (pv), the vaccinated animals were shown to develop antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses and exhibited complete protection upon virulent LSDV challenge. A minimum Neethling response (0.018% animals; 5 out of 26,940 animals) of the vaccine was observed in the field trials conducted in 26,940 animals. There was no significant reduction in the milk yield in lactating animals (n = 10108), besides there was no abortion or any other reproductive disorder in the pregnant animals (n = 2889). Sero-conversion was observed in 85.18% animals in the field by day 30 pv.

The emergence of novel Iranian variants in sheeppox and goatpox viral envelope proteins with remarkably altered putative binding affinities with the host receptor.

The outbreak of Sheep and goat pox (SGP) viral infections have increasingly been reported despite vaccinating the majority of sheep populations in Iran. The objective of this study was to predict the impacts of the SGP P32/envelope variations on the binding with host receptors as a candidate tool to assess this outbreak. The targeted gene was amplified in a total of 101 viral samples, and the PCR products were subjected to Sanger sequencing. The polymorphism and phylogenetic interactions of the identified variants were assessed. Molecular docking was performed between the identified P32 variants and the host receptor and the effects of these variants were evaluated. Eighteen variations were identified in the investigated P32 gene with variable silent and missense effects on the envelope protein. Five groups (G1-G5) of amino acid variations were identified. While there were no amino acid variations in the G1 (wild-type) viral protein, G2, G3, G4, and G5 proteins had seven, nine, twelve, and fourteen SNPs, respectively. Based on the observed amino acid substitutions, multiple distinct phylogenetic places were occupied from the identified viral groups. Dramatic alterations were identified between G2, G4, and G5 variants with their proteoglycan receptor, while the highest binding was revealed between goatpox G5 variant with the same receptor. It was suggested that the higher severity of goatpox viral infection originated from its higher affinity to bind with its cognate receptor. This firm binding may be explained by the observed higher severity of the SGP cases from which G5 samples were isolated.

Lumpy Skin Disease—An Emerging Cattle Disease in Europe and Asia

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a member of the Capripoxvirus genus, mainly infecting cattle and buffalo, which until relatively recently was only endemic in parts of Africa and then spread to the Middle East and lately Europe and Asia. Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a notifiable disease with a serious impact on the beef industry as it causes mortality of up to 10% and has impacts on milk and meat production, as well as fertility. The close serological relationship between LSDV, goat poxvirus (GTPV) and sheep poxvirus (SPPV) has led to live attenuated GTPV and SPPV vaccines being used to protect against LSD in some countries. There is evidence that the SPPV vaccine does not protect from LSD as well as the GTPV and LSDV vaccines. One of the LSD vaccines used in Eastern Europe was found to be a combination of different Capripoxviruses, and a series of recombination events in the manufacturing process resulted in cattle being vaccinated with a range of recombinant LSDVs resulting in virulent LSDV which spread throughout Asia. It is likely that LSD will become endemic throughout Asia as it will be very challenging to control the spread of the virus without widespread vaccination.

Molecular characterization of Capripoxvirus isolates from Moroccan sheep

Abstract Sheep pox is a highly contagious infectious viral disease (F/Poxviridae, G/Capripoxvirus), still causing economic damage in endemic zones like northern Africa, the Middle East, and many regions in Asia. Nevertheless, the clinical symptoms caused by sheep pox virus (SPPV) is similar to those caused by genetically related viruses, notably goat pox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). One of the main objectives of the current study is to characterize the virus; nasal swabs were taken from sheep showing SPPV clinical signs, submitted to molecular sequencing based on the P32 gene marker, and proceeded to genetic comparisons. Phylogenetic results showed that all virus isolate sequences cluster in the SPPV clade, thus distinguishing them from those of GTPV and LSDV. These results give an accurate diagnostic and a clear view of endemic viral strains, guiding veterinary managers in control politics, especially in the choice of a homologous vaccine.

Comparative immunological changes in cattle vaccinated with sheep pox virus (RM-65) or sheep and goat pox virus (KSGP-0240) vaccines

Comparative immunological changes in cattle vaccinated with sheep pox virus (RM-65) or sheep and goat pox virus (KSGP-0240) vaccines

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 2years. These findings present a basis for the effective monitoring and prevention of SGP and provide valuable information to policymakers.

A review on current epidemiology and molecular studies of lumpy skin disease virus-an emerging worldwide threat to domestic animals

In South Asia, cattle are afflicted by the expanding virulent condition known as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and sheep pox and goat pox are caused by the Capri virus. These illnesses endanger worldwide trade. Due to inadequate immunisations and poverty in rural areas, Capricorn poxviruses are spreading. This is due to the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 epidemic, debilitating sanctions in endemic countries, a growth in the legal and criminal trade of live animals and animal products, and global climate change. Skin spores are the main route of infection; however, the virus is also excreted through bodily fluids and semen. As a result, the virus is transmitted to susceptible hosts by biting flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Insects can be transstadial and transovarial. Lumpy skin disease lesions can swell and rupture after 7 to 14 days in experimental settings, but it usually takes 2 to 5 weeks in a normal infection. Lumpy skin disease is characterised by hard, constrictive, few (mild forms) to numerous (severe forms) skin nodules that may encompass respiratory, urogenital, and other organ mucous membranes. Consequently, milk output decreases, and in countries that raise cattle, there are more abortions, cases of temporary or permanent infertility, hide damage, and mortality, all of which result in a financial loss. The best method for limiting the spread and monetary impacts of lumpy skin disease is mass immunisation and other management measures. This review provides the latest information on lumpy skin disease's viral biology, transmission, clinical, and pathological aspects.

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

BackgroundPeste 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

Simultaneous detection and identification of Peste des petits ruminants Virus Lineages II and IV by MCA-Based real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay within single reaction

BackgroundPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) disease is a cross-species infectious disease that severely affects small ruminants and causes great losses to livestock industries in various countries. Distinguishing vaccine-immunized animals from naturally infected animals is an important prerequisite for the eradication of PPR. At present PPRV are classified into lineages I through IV, and only one vaccination strain, Nigeria/75/1, belongs to lineage II, but all of the epidemic strains in China at present are from lineage IV.ResultsTo achieve this goal, we developed an SYBR Green I real-time qRT-PCR method for rapid detection and identification of PPRV lineages II and IV by analyzing different melting curve analyses. The negative amplification of other commonly circulating viruses such as orf virus, goat poxvirus, and foot-and-mouth disease virus demonstrated that primers targeting the L gene of PPRV were extremely specific. The sensitivity of the assay was assessed based on plasmid DNA and the detection limit achieved was 100 copies of PPRV lineages II and IV.ConclusionSince the method has high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, it will be effectively differentiated PPRV lineages II from PPRV lineages IV in PPRV infected animals.

Silver nanoparticles inhibit goatpox virus replication.

No effective drugs against goatpox virus (GTPV) exist despite the high morbidity and mortality (up to 100%) caused by this virus. In this study, the antiviral activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against GTPV, a member of the genus Capripoxvirus, was evaluated. Piper betle leaf extract was used as a reducing agent during the biological synthesis of AgNPs from silver nitrate. The AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). AgNPs were tested at different concentrations as antiviral agents against GTPV, and the reduction in the median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50/mL) was used to quantitate antiviral activity. AgNPs caused significant inhibition of GTPV replication by preventing virus entry into the host cell. Pre-treatment of cells with AgNPs caused a slight reduction in infectivity, but this did not significantly correlate with the effect on virus attachment. AgNPs also appeared to significantly reduce the viral genome copy number. This study demonstrates that the AgNPs are capable of inhibiting GTPV replication in vitro.

Biochemical Analysis of the Blood of Cattle after Vaccination with a Heterologous Vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease.

We studied the biochemical parameters of the blood of cattle after immunization against lumpy skin disease with a vaccine made from an attenuated heterologous goat pox virus (strain G20-LKV). Blood samples were obtained from animals on days 7, 14, and 21 after vaccination. The vaccine did not affect biochemical parameters of the blood. A slight increase in total protein and AST on day 14 indicates the expected reactions to the stimulation of the immune system after vaccination. The levels of direct and total bilirubin, ALT, urea, glucose, cholesterol, and creatinine in vaccinated animals remained within the physiological limits.

LSDV126 gene based molecular assays for specific detection and characterization of emerging Lumpy Skin Disease virus

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious and economically important viral disease, which is currently emerging in the Indian subcontinent. LSD is caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) under the genus Capripoxvirus and the family Poxviridae. Since its first incursion in India in the year 2019, the virus is rapidly disseminating through different means like direct contact, fomites and mainly by blood-feeding insects. As the disease has never been reported from India or neighbouring countries, there is a lack of planning and preparatory measures in terms of diagnostics and vaccines to control the disease. In the absence of any homologous vaccine, a live attenuated heterologous goat pox vaccine (Uttarkashi strain) is now being widely used in the country for the prevention of LSDV infection. Use of live attenuated goat pox virus vaccine necessitates the availability of an assay which could specifically detect and differentiate LSDV from goat pox virus. In this study, nucleotide sequences of LSDV126 gene encoding extracellular enveloped virus protein of circulating LSDV and goat pox virus were determined and analyzed. Deletion of 27 nt tandem repeats was observed in LSDV in comparison to goat pox and LSDV vaccine viruses. The deletion region was targeted for designing primers specific to LSDV, but not goat pox virus. A novel isothermal polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) was optimized as pen side diagnostic for prompt and sensitive detection of genomic DNA of LSDV. The assay was found to be highly sensitive and specific when compared to the real-time PCR. The assay was found to be specifically detecting only LSDV but not the goat pox virus. The limit of detection was identified as 9 × 10−6 ng of positive DNA. The assay will provide a point of care tool that will be a boon for the successful control of LSD in India.

Emergency vaccination of cattle against lumpy skin disease: Evaluation of safety, efficacy, and potency of MEVAC® LSD vaccine containing Neethling strain

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging disease of cattle causing significantly high economic losses. Control of LSD depends on the use of homologous attenuated LSD virus strains isolated originally from South Africa (the Neethling strain). The virus belongs to the genus Capripoxvirus, which includes sheep pox virus and goat pox virus. The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new live attenuated LSD vaccine produced by Middle East for Vaccines (MEVAC®) based on the Neethling strain. Tests were performed both in Egypt and Vietnam. Safety was evaluated by inoculation of five cattle with 10 times the recommended dose and observation of the animals for 14 days. Immunogenicity was tested at different periods post-vaccination (PV) in animals receiving the recommended doses of the vaccine using ELISA and virus neutralization test. Five cows were used to determine the protection index (PI) and non-vaccinated control cattle were included. Three calves were challenged by intradermal inoculation of the wild virus (5 × 105 TCID50) 28 days PV. Field or mass vaccination experiments were conducted in Vietnam during national campaigns in the summer of 2021 with 4301 vaccinated animals closely monitored after vaccination. In the field, around 2% (80/4301) of the animals showed hyper-reactivity, and 0.6% (24/4301) showed small skin swellings that disappeared within few hours PV. Abortion was recorded in three animals (0.3% 3/867). Challenged animals were resistant to clinical disease and PI value was 3.5 log10. Meanwhile, antibody levels determined by the ELISA were inconsistent among animals and laboratories during the study period. Overall, the findings point to a new safe and effective LSD vaccine.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of pox infection among sheep and goats in selected districts of Afar region, Ethiopia

BackgroundSheep and goat pox virus infection is highly devastating viral disease of small ruminants that cause severe production losses in sheep and goats in Ethiopia and also limits international trade. A cross-sectional study was employed with the objective to estimate the seroprevalence of pox infection and to assess associated risk factors during the study period, February to April, 2020. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy sheep and goats. Serum neutralization test was used to detect the presence of antibodies against pox virus at national veterinary institute. Descriptive statistics, univariable and Multivariable logistic analyses were used in this study. ResultsThe overall animal level seroprevalence of sheep and goat pox virus was found to be 15.36% (n = 59/384) and species level prevalence rate was found to be 14.5% (n = 16/110) in sheep and 15.69% (n = 43/274) in goats in the study areas. Among the associated factors considered in this study, sex (P = 0.010), age (P = 0.012) and herd size (P = 0.029) were found to be statistically associated with seropositivity of pox infection in multivariable logistic regression. The odds of seropositivity in female animals were 3.9 times more likely to develop pox infection than male animals (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.203–4.015%) and the odds of young animals were 2.14 times more likely to be seropositive to pox infection than old aged animals (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.169–3.633%). Moreover, the odds of large-sized flocks of animals were 3.10 times more likely to be seropositive to pox disease than small-sized flocks (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.30–4.42%). ConclusionThis study finding revealed that sheep and goat pox virus is prevalent and widespread diseases of small ruminant in afar region. Therefore, further study should be carried out to estimate region wise magnitude of the disease and control measures should be put in place to minimize the economic losses associated with this disease.

Determination of the optimal immunizing dose of heterologous goat pox virus vaccine (Poxviridae: Chordopoxvirinae: Capripoxvirus) against lumpy skin disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), sheep pox and goat pox are dangerous diseases of domestic ruminants. Representatives of the genus of capripoxviruses are antigenically similar and can be used as a vaccine for three infections, as in the case of representatives of the genus of orthopoxviruses, which includes viruses of smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox, that all belong to a single family Poxviridae. In this study, the vaccine strain G20-LKV of the goat pox virus and the virulent strain RIBSP2019/K of the LSD virus were used. The experiments were carried out on clinically healthy cattle of the Kazakh White-headed breed, aged six to eight months. Virological and serological research methods were used in the work. All immunized animals that received different doses of the vaccine showed resistance to the infection challenge, without showing any clinical signs of the disease. In animals that received the lowest doses of the vaccine 15,000, 30,000 and 40,000 TCID50, no adverse events, skin and temperature reactions were observed at the injection site. Those vaccinated with high doses of the vaccine had a local reaction in the form of swelling at the site of vaccine administration. Control animals infected with a virulent virus showed clinical signs of the cattle lumpy skin disease . The vaccine, prepared based on the "G20-LKV" strain of the goat virus, is protective for cattle against infection with a virulent LSD virus at immunizing doses from 15,000 to 80,000 TCID50, which are dependent on the LSD epizootic situation in particular region.

Comparative evaluation of the diagnostic potential of two major core proteins of goatpox virus expressed in the prokaryotic system

Members of the genus capripoxvirus (CaPV) encode more than 100 putative proteins and CaPV ORF 095 and 103 genes encode two major immunogenic core proteins that are partly exposed to the host immune system. In this study, full-length genes of these two core proteins of goatpox virus (GTPV) were over-expressed in E. coli BL21-codonPlus (DE3)-RIPL strain using pET32a vector and purified under denaturing conditions and characterized by SDS-PAGE. Expressed proteins were confirmed as 37 kDa (ORF 095) and 39 kDa (ORF 103) proteins in western blot. Both the proteins have shown a good immunoreactivity with anti-GTPV and -SPPV antibodies in optimized ELISA and they did not show any cross-reactivity with other viruses of sheep and goats. However, the ORF095 protein has shown better reactivity than ORF103 to a standard known positive serum when tested in optimized ELISA. Therefore, capripoxvirus-specific rORF095 alone or in combination with other CaPV proteins has the immense potential in developing ELISA as a coating antigen for sero-evaluation of capripox in sheep and goats.

Evaluation of antibody responses against the whole virions of goatpox and sheeppox viruses after subcutaneous immunization of rabbits

Antibody development is the integral process of generating and characterizing an antibody. It commences by inoculating the antigen of interest into laboratory animals, allowing the immune system develops large quantities of antibodies. This was aimed at developing antibodies against the virion of Goatpox and Sheeppox virus vaccines. The ability of Goatpox and Sheeppox vaccines was assessed. Regarding this study, the antibody titers against both Goatpox and Sheeppox viruses was increased in the same manner. The amount of IgG was determined to be 2.29 μg/μl and 2.18 μg/μl against virions of Goatpox virus and Sheeppox respectively. The purified IgG was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Different bands of the purified antibodies were clearly visualized, and the molecular weight of IgG was estimated to be 67 kDa and 25 kDa. Additionally, antigen/antibody binding was confirmed by Western blot using GTPV A27 antigen. No significant differences in antibody titers were observed between the two groups (p < 0, 05).

Pathological studies and ORF 103 gene based molecular characterization of sheep pox virus from outbreaks in Maharashtra, India

Sheep and goat pox are endemic in India and causes considerable losses to the animal husbandry sector every year. There are multiple reports of this disease from different states of India; however, information on the occurrence of this disease in Maharashtra state is very scanty. In this context, the present investigation reports the outbreaks of sheep pox in Satara and Solapur districts of Maharashtra state, India, from August 2019 to February 2020 based on clinical signs, gross and histopathological lesions, and molecular detection. Additionally, the ORF 103 gene sequence analysis from field samples revealed 100 to 99% identity with SPPV from Egypt, China, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Makhdoom. In phylogeny, sequences of the present study grouped into SPPVs clade. The finding of this study adds to the knowledge of the epidemiology of sheep pox in Maharashtra state and may help in planning effective prevention and control strategies.