BackgroundSheep 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.ResultsFrom 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.ConclusionBoth 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.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-017-1312-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Introduction: Sheep and goat pox virus (SGPV) is a systemic contagious disease causing extreme illness and death in small ruminants. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in West Gojjam and Awi zone of Amhara national regional state Northwest Ethiopia, from November 2018 to May 2019 with the objective of pox virus outbreak investigation and molecular detections in sheep and goats (shoats). The study included clinical examinations of lesions, laboratory analysis, and questionnaire survey. Study locations were selected randomly when an active outbreak was reported and observed. Results: A total of 485 small ruminants (303 sheep and 182 goats) suspected of shoat pox were examined for the presence of specific skin lesions, 71 (14.64%) showed pox lesions, 35 (11.55%) sheep and 36 (19.78%) goats, and 24 (4.95%) had died. The study revealed highest morbidity rate in Jawie (31.25%) and Gunagua (14.89%) districts in goats and sheep, respectively. Lowest morbidity rate was recorded in Dega Damot district in sheep (6.45%) and goats (7.14%), respectively. The mortality rate was >1% in all districts except Dega Damot for both species. From a total of 38 tissue samples, 19 samples were selected based on the geographical distribution. All 19 samples (6 sheep and 13 goats) were found to be positive for goat pox virus based on polymerase chain reaction results. The significant risk factors were free animal movements, age, flock size and composition, body condition, vaccination status, and season. The study showed that in the absence of free movement of animals, the disease was less likely to occur (OR = 0.05, CI 95%; 0.02, 0.15). Conclusion:The disease was found in higher rate during the dry and short rainy season. Sheep were also found to be infected by goat pox virus. The study indicated that there was widespread sheep and goat pox in Northwest Ethiopia.

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