Molecular characterization of orf virus from sheep and goats in Ethiopia, 2008–2013

Abstract

BackgroundOrf is a contagious disease of sheep, goats and wild ungulates caused by orf virus (ORFV) a member of the genus Parapoxvirus, Poxviridae family. Although orf is endemic in Ethiopia, little attention has been given so far as it is not a notifiable disease by the World Organization for Animal Health. In this work, we have investigated orf outbreaks representing five different geographical locations of Ethiopia, in Amba Giorgis, Gondar zuria, Adet, Debre zeit and Adami Tulu, between 2008 and 2013.ResultsThe viral isolation and the sequence analysis of the A32L and the B2L genes of eighteen representative isolates confirmed that sampled animals were infected by ORFVs.The phylogenetic study and the comparative analysis of the deduced amino acid profile suggests that there were two main clusters of ORFV isolates which were responsible for the investigated outbreaks. Additionally the analysis of these two genes showed limited variability to ORFVs encountered elsewhere. This is the first report on the genetic characterization of the ORFV isolates from sheep and goats in Ethiopia.ConclusionThe molecular characterization of Ethiopian ORFV isolates highlighted the circulation of two main clusters causing orf disease in sheep and goats. The use of laboratory based methods and a constant monitoring of Ethiopian ORFV isolates is needed to better understand the dynamic of ORFV circulating in the country and facilitate the implementation of control measures.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-016-0489-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diagnosis of Orf in West African Dwarf Goats in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

“…Although ORFV infections are self-limiting with low mortality rates, mortality rates of 20-90% have been reported in severe outbreaks (Scagliarini et al, 2012). The proliferative lesions around the mouth observed in this report are characteristic clinical presentation of Orf, which is not confirmatory, because such lesions are also seen in outbreaks of Peste des petits ruminants, Sheep pox (SPP) and goat pox (GTP) (Nandi et al, 2011;Gelaye et al, 2016). In this study, ORFV was detected by PCR in the scab, lymph node and spleen samples collected during the Orf outbreak which confirms the diagnosis of the disease.…”

“…It is caused by Orf virus (ORFV) (Gelaye et al, 2016). Orf virus belongs to the Genus Parapoxvirus, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, family Poxviridae (Fleming et al, 2015).…”

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of B2L Gene of ORF Virus from Clinical Cases of Sheep in Serbia

“…For isolation of ORFV, primary lamb testes cell culture is most commonly used because of its high sensitivity (Kottaridi et al, 2006). However, Vero cell line has also been successfully used for ORFV isolation, and CPEs of ORFV were observed on days 3 and 5 after the first or second passage (Gelaye et al, 2016). In our study using the Vero cell line for virus isolation, CPEs were observed on the third passage, 5 days after inoculation.…”

“…Based on crust location, infected animals are usually disabled to graze and walk, which leads to weight and production loss. Also, secondary bacterial infections additionally worsen the lesions (Gelaye et al, 2016). The mortality rate in general is very high comparing to mortality rate which is generally low.…”

First Detection and Molecular Characterisation of Pseudocowpox Virus in a Cattle Herd in Zambia

“…The primers used to amplify a fragment of the B2L gene of parapoxviruses [15] are indicated in Table 2.…”