Establishment of a Challenge Model for Sheeppox Virus Infection

Cross-Protection of an Inactivated and a Live-Attenuated Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Vaccine against Sheeppox Virus Infections in Sheep

Sheeppox virus (SPPV) (genus Capripoxvirus, family Poxviridae) infections are a highly virulent and contagious disease of sheep with a high morbidity and mortality, especially in naïve populations and young animals. For the control of SPPV, homologous and heterologous live-attenuated vaccines are commercially available. In our study, we compared a commercially available live-attenuated lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) vaccine strain (Lumpyvax) with our recently developed inactivated LSDV vaccine candidate regarding their protective efficacy against SPPV in sheep. Both vaccines were proven to be safe in sheep, and neither clinical signs nor viremia could be detected after vaccination and challenge infection. However, the local replication of the challenge virus in the nasal mucosa of previously vaccinated animals was observed. Because of the advantages of an inactivated vaccine and its heterologous protection efficacy against SPPV in sheep, our inactivated LSDV vaccine candidate is a promising additional tool for the prevention and control of SPPV outbreaks in the future.

The emergence of novel Iranian variants in sheeppox and goatpox viral envelope proteins with remarkably altered putative binding affinities with the host receptor

The outbreak of Sheep and goat pox (SGP) viral infections have increasingly been reported despite vaccinating the majority of sheep populations in Iran. The objective of this study was to predict the impacts of the SGP P32/envelope variations on the binding with host receptors as a candidate tool to assess this outbreak. The targeted gene was amplified in a total of 101 viral samples, and the PCR products were subjected to Sanger sequencing. The polymorphism and phylogenetic interactions of the identified variants were assessed. Molecular docking was performed between the identified P32 variants and the host receptor and the effects of these variants were evaluated. Eighteen variations were identified in the investigated P32 gene with variable silent and missense effects on the envelope protein. Five groups (G1-G5) of amino acid variations were identified. While there were no amino acid variations in the G1 (wild-type) viral protein, G2, G3, G4, and G5 proteins had seven, nine, twelve, and fourteen SNPs, respectively. Based on the observed amino acid substitutions, multiple distinct phylogenetic places were occupied from the identified viral groups. Dramatic alterations were identified between G2, G4, and G5 variants with their proteoglycan receptor, while the highest binding was revealed between goatpox G5 variant with the same receptor. It was suggested that the higher severity of goatpox viral infection originated from its higher affinity to bind with its cognate receptor. This firm binding may be explained by the observed higher severity of the SGP cases from which G5 samples were isolated.

Transboundary Animal Diseases, an Overview of 17 Diseases with Potential for Global Spread and Serious Consequences

Animals provide food and other critical resources to most of the global population. As such, diseases of animals can cause dire consequences, especially disease with high rates of morbidity or mortality. Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) are highly contagious or transmissible, epidemic diseases, with the potential to spread rapidly across the globe and the potential to cause substantial socioeconomic and public health consequences. Transboundary animal diseases can threaten the global food supply, reduce the availability of non-food animal products, or cause the loss of human productivity or life. Further, TADs result in socioeconomic consequences from costs of control or preventative measures, and from trade restrictions. A greater understanding of the transmission, spread, and pathogenesis of these diseases is required. Further work is also needed to improve the efficacy and cost of both diagnostics and vaccines. This review aims to give a broad overview of 17 TADs, providing researchers and veterinarians with a current, succinct resource of salient details regarding these significant diseases. For each disease, we provide a synopsis of the disease and its status, species and geographic areas affected, a summary of in vitro or in vivo research models, and when available, information regarding prevention or treatment.

Capripoxvirus Infections in Ruminants: A Review

Lumpy skin disease, sheeppox, and goatpox are notifiable diseases of cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively, caused by viruses of the Capripoxvirus genus. They are responsible for both direct and indirect financial losses. These losses arise through animal mortality, morbidity cost of vaccinations, and constraints to animals and animal products' trade. Control and eradication of capripoxviruses depend on early detection of outbreaks, vector control, strict animal movement, and vaccination which remains the most effective means of control. To date, live attenuated vaccines are widely used; however, conferred protection remains controversial. Many vaccines have been associated with adverse reactions and incomplete protection in sheep, goats, and cattle. Many combination- and recombinant-based vaccines have also been developed. Here, we review capripoxvirus infections and the immunity conferred against capripoxviruses by their respective vaccines for each ruminant species. We also review their related cross protection to heterologous infections.

Probe-Based Real-Time qPCR Assays for a Reliable Differentiation of Capripox Virus Species

Outbreaks of the three capripox virus species, namely lumpy skin disease virus, sheeppox virus, and goatpox virus, severely affect animal health and both national and international economies. Therefore, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) classified them as notifiable diseases. Until now, discrimination of capripox virus species was possible by using different conventional PCR protocols. However, more sophisticated probe-based real-time qPCR systems addressing this issue are, to our knowledge, still missing. In the present study, we developed several duplex qPCR assays consisting of different types of fluorescence-labelled probes that are highly sensitive and show a high analytical specificity. Finally, our assays were combined with already published diagnostic methods to a diagnostic workflow that enables time-saving, reliable, and robust detection, differentiation, and characterization of capripox virus isolates.