Molecular Detection of Sheep Pox Virus and its Differentiation from Goat Pox Virus

Author: Manickam R., Puvarajan B., Balasubramaniam A., Balakrishnan S. and Selvaraj J.

Journal Name:

Download PDF

Abstract

Sheep pox is a viral disease affecting sheep, characterized by fever, papules or nodules, vesicles (rarely), lesions in internal organs, and mortality. The causative agent of sheep pox is the Sheep pox virus (SPPV), which, along with the Goat pox virus (GPV) and Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), constitutes the genus Capri poxvirus within the family Poxviridae. The objective of the present study is to detect the presence of the Sheep pox virus and to assess the current status of Sheep pox (SPPV) in the Cauvery Delta Zone and adjacent areas of Tamil Nadu. A total of sixty-two samples, comprising scabs and necropsies from internal organs, were collected from sheep suspected of having sheep pox across various regions. Molecular detection was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify the Sheep pox virus through the amplification of the ORF103 gene. Additionally, the differentiation of Sheep pox virus isolated from sheep from the Goat pox virus was achieved by amplifying the RPO30 gene using specific primers. Our results indicated that forty-six samples (46/62; 74.19%) tested positive based on PCR analysis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the circulation of SPPV in the field. Further studies and surveillance are necessary to monitor the virus’s evolution and transmission pathways, which will enhance the understanding of its pathobiology and aid in the control of SPPV

Keywords

Capri poxvirus, Sheep pox virus, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Conclusion

Sheeppox and goatpox (SGP) is highly infectious disease in sheep and goats, which is distributed to different part of the world. It seriously affects exotic breeds. Mortality and morbidity rate get to 100%. The virus enters via the respiratory tract and transmission commonly is by aerosol and infection is usually associated with close contact with infected animals. This disease is more severe in young animals than adults; the affected lambs die without showing clinical signs. Sheeppox and Goatpox require an urgent and precise laboratory confirmation as the diseases are severe contagious. The RPO30 and ORF103 gene-based PCR assay in combination with sequencing can be used for identification sheep pox virus infection. Management strategies like clean water, well enclosure housing, balanced diet and minimizing stress during cold season and lambing stage should be provided. Since this disease has no effective treatment, it is essential to vaccinate sheep and goat flocks regularly on an annual basis with a safe and efficient vaccine for the control of this serious and economically important disease in endemic regions. In enzootic areas biosecurity measures should also be considered

References

-

How to cite this article

Manickam R., Puvarajan B., Balasubramaniam A., Balakrishnan S. and Selvaraj J. (2024). Molecular Detection of Sheep Pox Virus and its Differentiation from Goat Pox Virus. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(11): 168-173