Sheep pox Disease in Sheep and Goats

Sheep pox disease in sheep and goats:

About this disease

• It is an acute to chronic viral disease of sheep and goats characterized by generalized pox lesions throughout the skin and mucous membranes.
• All breeds of sheep and goats irrespective of age and sex are affected.
• It is possible to infect goats with sheep pox virus and sheep with goat pox virus.
• Sheep are naturally susceptible to sheep pox. Younger sheep are more susceptible over old ones.
• Disease occurrence period is April- June.

What are the Causes?

• It is caused by a member of the genus Capri pox virus, pox viridae family.
• Cutaneous lesions (crust, nodules) resulting in aerosols, saliva, faeces, nasal secretions from sick animals for 1-2 months and dried scabs at ambient temperature may be the source for spread of virus.
• Susceptible to highly alkaline or acid PH and virus remains viable for as long as six months.
• Virus susceptible to 56˙c for 2 hrs and 65˙c for 30 minutes.
• The usual mode of transmission is from direct contact with the infected animal.
• Indirect transmission by contaminated litter, fodder, water and attendants may spread the virus through mechanical ways.
• The virus may gain entrance through wound and abrasions.
• The virus may present in skin papules. While the affected animals rub their body on other animals, the virus is passed directly to susceptible animals.
• The biting insects (mechanical vectors) may inoculate the virus intradermaly or subcutaneously.
• Aerosol or droplet infection is quite possible.
• Dog, cat etc. may mechanically transport the virus to other places.
• The virus may pass from infected mother to the foetus through placenta.

What are the symptoms?

• Skin papules appear in 2-5 days following temperature and first appear on the hairless parts of the skin.
• Soon after development of papules rhinitis, conjunctivitis may be observed.
• Papules like pock lesions appear in all the parts of the body, e.g., lips, cheeks, snout, nostril, face, ear, feet, thigh, abdomen, eye lid, neck, teat and udder.
• The eyelids are swollen and they may completely cover the eye ball.
• Mucopurulent discharges from eyes and nose.
• Animals become weak, disoriented and eventually unable to stand.
• The mucous membrane of the eyes, nose, lips, vulva and prepuce become necrotic.
• Animals die due to the development of labored breathing as a result of broncho-pneumonia.
• Animals that survive develop scab and shed over a period of 3-6 weeks, leaving a raw granulating area.

First aid for sheep pox:

• Isolation of infected herds and sick animals for at least 45 days after recovery.
• Use of disinfectants like ether (20%), chloroform and formalin (1%), phenol (2%) to prevent the transmission of disease.
• Strict sanitary measures are to be adopted.
• Contact nearest Veterinary Assistant Surgeon for further treatment.

Control and preventive measures:

• Regular vaccination of animals.
• Vaccine availability: IVPM, Ranipet, Vellore District, Tamilnadu – Sheep pox vaccine – Sheep thyroid attenuated live tissue culture vaccine – Available in 50 ml and 100 ml vials @ 60 paise per dose should be administered sub-cutaneously with the following vaccination schedule,
• Recommended vaccination schedule:

• Isolation of infected herds and sick animals for at least 45 days after recovery.
• Quarantine before introduction into herds.
• Use of disinfectants like ether (20%), chloroform and formalin (1%), phenol (2%) to prevent the transmission of disease.
• Animal traffic from the infected areas is to be prevented.
• Proper disposal of cadavers and products.
• Strict sanitary measures are to be adopted.

Courteasy By Tamil Nadu Agricultural University