Serological and Molecular evaluation of Capripoxvirus of small ruminants and the disease management from a suspected goatpox outbreak in Shika, Nigeria

Capripoxvirus is the causative agent of pox diseases in small and large ruminants, and members of this genus comprises of sheep poxvirus, goat poxvirus, and lumpy skin disease virus. These diseases are transboundary threats endemic in Nigeria, potentially harming animal production systems through reduced trade, enforced control measures, morbidity, and mortality. This case-control study was conducted following a suspected outbreak of pox disease in a herd of adult female goats (does) that exhibited symptoms such as mucous nasal discharge and skin lesions, including vesicles, nodules, and scabs. Farm visit was carried out to clinically examine the infected animals, collect sera for serology and nasal swabs for conventional PCR, and manage the disease. 50 sera were analyzed by indirect ELISA for Capripoxvirus (CaPV) neutralizing antibodies. Seropositive results guided the choice of nasal swab samples for the PCR conducted. Conventional PCR testing was performed on 24 nasal swab samples with seropositivity to CaPV. On physical examination, 128 out of 233 goats (55%) showed pox lesions along with varying degrees of respiratory complications. Pyrexia (39.5 to 41°C) was observed in all 128 affected goats (100%). Other clinical signs included mucous nasal discharge, congested ocular mucous membranes, and a recorded mortality of 65 goats. Morbidity and mortality rates were determined to be 55% and 28%, respectively. ELISA results revealed a 96% positivity rate for Capripoxvirus, and PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the virus with 100% amplification at 172 bp. The outbreak management, which included isolation and supported treatment, effectively limited the disease’s spread.