SIGNS AND TREATMENT OF GOAT/SHEEP POX

GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX

CAUSES, INCUBATION PERIOD, SIGNS, AND TREATMENT OF GOAT/SHEEP POX

History of goat pox and sheep pox: Goat and sheep pox are contagious, malignant notifiable pox diseases with a low mortality rate in adults and native animals. The disease is endemic but high prevalent among newly introduced animals and young ones.

Goat pox was first reported in Norway by Hansen in 1879. However, during the First World War, goat pox was noticed in Macedonia. In 1985, FAO declared capripox to be endemic in India, Middle East, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, some parts of China, north and central Africa.

Sheep pox was first reported in the first century AD, in 1931 in Bombay (India) and 1957 in Kenya.

COUNTRIES FREE OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX: Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Sweden, USA, Austria, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, New Zealand, Spain, UK, Chile, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic. The list was generated in 2020 by Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Australian Government.

INCUBATION PERIOD OF SHEEP POX AND GOAT POX: Sheep pox: 4-8 days; goat pox: 4-14 days, with a maximum of 21 days. The variation observed in the incubation period for pox in goats and sheep is due to age, vaccination history, and other predisposing factors to the disease, as discussed below.

CAUSE / ETIOLOGY OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX:  Goat pox and sheep pox are caused by the goat pox virus and sheep pox virus, respectively, which are closely related viruses of family Poxiviridae and Genus Capripox. Some strains affect both goats and sheep, while others are host-specific. Sheep pox virus and Goat pox virus are under subfamily Chordopoxivirinae, together with lumpy skin disease virus. Morphologically, clinically, and serologically, goat pox virus and sheep pox virus cannot be differentiated; they are oval in shape and approximately 294 x 273mm.

Goat pox virus and Sheep pox virus are distinguished based on genome, host, and incubation period.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHEEP POX VIRUS AND GOAT POX VIRUS INCLUDE:

HOW IS GOAT POX VIRUS AND SHEEP POX VIRUS TRANSMITTED / HOW IS GOAT POX VIRUS AND SHEEP POX VIRUS GOT? – Sheep and goat pox viruses are spread to a susceptible animal either directly or indirectly via contact. These viruses are found in the saliva, milk, urine, feces, skin scabs, nasal and eye discharges of infected animals.

DIRECT WAYS/MODES OF GETTING GOAT POX OR SHEEP POX: In this form, the virus is transmitted straight from sick to susceptible animal(s) without aid from any object (both inanimate and animate). These include: inhalation of contaminated aerosols, contact between eroded skin and infected skin.

INDIRECT WAYS OR MODES OF SPREADING GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX: The susceptible animal picks up the virus from carriers, which can either be animate or inanimate objects, e.g., contaminated feeds, fomites, insects, and iatrogenically. In this form, there is no direct contact between the sick and susceptible animals.

The rate of transmission is reduced when papules become necrotic. Chronically infected carriers do not occur.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF GOAT POX OR SHEEP POX: The signs manifested vary depending on the severity of the disease. These include:

Increase in rectal temperature

Rhinitis

Conjunctivitis

Swollen lymph nodes

Congested mucous membranes

 Laboured breathing

Anorexia

Skin scabs

Papules

Necrosis of the anal, buccal, and vaginal mucosa

Diarrhea

Emaciation

Rough hair coat

Alopecic skin patches

Lethargy

 Excessive salivation.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS TO GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX;

 Young age

 Pregnancy

 Underlying diseases

 Stress

Introduction of new animals or breeds to endemic areas

Overstocking of animals

Poor sanitation that attracts flies.

PREVENTION/CONTROL OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX:

Routine vaccination of animals

Proper sanitation.

Use fly repellents.

Isolate sick animals.

Regularly spray aerial disinfectants in houses with infected animals.

Quarantine newly introduced animals.

Ensure proper stocking density.

Purchase animals and feeds from trusted sources.

Ensure proper disposal of carcasses.

Institute and follow strict biosecurity measures.

TREATMENT OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX: there is no etiological or specific treatment of sheep and goat pox. The remedies given are supportive and symptomatic, depending on the severity of the disease. Some medications given include:

 Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Anti-inflammatories

Immune boosters

IV fluids like dextrose and ringers are administered if the animal is anorexic and dehydrated.

VACCINATION SCHEDULE OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX: All strains of capripox share a major neutralization site; therefore, a single-strain vaccine provides protection to all strains. The attenuated virus vaccine provides immunity for 2-3 years, but its risk of causing disease is usually high. Inactivated vaccines provide immunity for a shorter period of time but have a low risk of causing diseases.

The initial vaccination is given between 3 and 4 months. The booster dose can be given either after 6 months, annually, or after 2 years, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE VACCINATING AGAINST GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX:

Give the right dose.

Use the correct route of administration.

Do not vaccinate unhealthy animals.

Pregnant and those below 2 months of age.

Ensure proper handling of the vaccine (maintain the recommended temperature).

The skin at the site of injection should be dry and clean.

Needles and syringes should be sterile, never recycled.

Use the manufacturer’s diluent for the freeze-dried vaccine.

In cases of allergic reactions, anti-inflammatories should be given.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX ARE:

ppr

urticaria

orf

Pasteurellosis

 Insect bites

 Mange

Photosensitization

 Caseous lymphadenitis

Blue tongue.

DIAGNOSIS OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX: Based on history (presence of current and previous outbreaks), clinical signs, post-mortem lesions, histopathology, and serology

POST- MORTEM LESIONS OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX:

Lumps on the skin

 Alopecia

Papules

Macules

Skin scabs

Pneumonic lungs

Nodules on the GIT mucosa

Swollen lymph nodes

Conjunctivitis

Congested nasal mucosa, etc.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL PRESENTATION OF GOAT POX AND SHEEP POX: Presence of Bollinger bodies with extensive inflammatory, necrotic, and proliferative changes.

SEROLOGICAL TESTS USED INCLUDE: ELISA, western blotting, indirect fluorescent antibody tests, and agar gel immune diffusion.

WHENEVER GOAT POX IS CONFIRMED OR SUSCPETED, CONCERNED AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE INFORMED.

SEEK MORE INFORMATION FROM NEARBY VETERINARY CLINIC OR PROFESSIONAL.