Review of sheep and goat pox disease: current updates on epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention and control measures in Ethiopia

Abstract

Sheep pox, goat pox, and lumpy skin diseases are economically significant and contagious viral diseases of sheep, goats and cattle, respectively, caused by the genus Capripoxvirus (CaPV) of the family Poxviridae. Currently, CaPV infection of small ruminants (sheep and goats) has been distributed widely and are prevalent in Central Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. This disease poses challenges to food production and distribution, affecting rural livelihoods in most African countries, including Ethiopia. Transmission occurs mainly by direct or indirect contact with infected animals. They cause high morbidity (75-100% in endemic areas) and mortality (10-85%). Additionally, the mortality rate can approach 100% in susceptible animals. Diagnosis largely relies on clinical symptoms, confirmed by laboratory testing using real-time PCR, electron microscopy, virus isolation, serology and histology. Control and eradication of sheep pox virus (SPPV), goat pox virus (GTPV), and lumpy skin disease (LSDV) depend on timely recognition of disease eruption, vector control, and movement restriction. To date, attenuated vaccines originating from KSGPV O-180 strains are effective and widely used in Ethiopia to control CaPV throughout the country. This vaccine strain is clinically safe to control CaPV in small ruminants but not in cattle which may be associated with insufficient vaccination coverage and the production of low-quality vaccines.

An Extensive Examination of the Warning Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Available Therapies, and Prognosis for Lumpy Skin Disease

“…Tuppurainen et al (2020) have started a study on the epidemiological characteristics and economic effects of lumpy skin disorders in Ethiopia, which highlights the necessity of immunization in LSD management in endemic regions [ 48 ]. Live vaccines elicit a powerful and long-lasting immune response and are effective in disease prevention [ 49 ]. However, live vaccinations can induce local inflammation and a minor illness with skin lesions [ 49 ].…”

“…Live vaccines elicit a powerful and long-lasting immune response and are effective in disease prevention [ 49 ]. However, live vaccinations can induce local inflammation and a minor illness with skin lesions [ 49 ].…”

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

“…Currently, the viral agents associated with sheep and goat pox are found in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. 1,2 They have not been identified in North America 3 in a very long time. 4 These viruses limit the productivity of small ruminant farming in endemic countries and have detrimental economic consequences.…”

“…6 Superficial lymphadenopathy/ lymphadenitis has also been described. 1,5,7 Conjunctivitis and rhinitis can occur. Mildly affected animals may not show clinical signs beyond these nonspecific findings, but dermatologic lesions including papules, nodules, pustules, and rarely vesicles usually follow (Figure 1).…”

“…4 These viruses limit the productivity of small ruminant farming in endemic countries and have detrimental economic consequences. 1,2 Capripoxviruses may be host specific, but some strains have the ability to affect both sheep and goats 2,5 and will be referred to in this article collectively as sheep and goat pox (SGP). Vigilance and awareness of SGP on the part of livestock veterinarians and small ruminant producers could help prevent the spread of this virus to other regions of the world including the United States.…”