Small ruminant Lentivirus infection in sheep and goats in North Portugal: seroprevalence and risk factors

Jacob-Ferreira, João ; Coelho, Ana Cláudia ; Grau Vila, Ana ; Lacasta, Delia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Quintas, Hélder

Resumen: Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are transmitted among ovine and caprine species. This disease is a severe problem for small ruminant production, not only for animals’ well-being but also for flocks’ efficiency. The main aim of this research was to quantify the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for SRLV infection in the northern region of Portugal. Samples were collected from a total of 150 flocks, of which 129 (86.0%; 95% CI: 80.67%–91.33%) had at least one seropositive animal. Out of 2607 individual blood samples, 1074 (41.2%) were positive for SRLVs. Risk factors associated with SRLV infection were species (caprine), age (>2 years old), flock size (>100 animals), production system (intensive), food production system (milk), type of activity (professional), participation in livestock competitions (yes), replacement young ewe bought (yes), and natural feeding management (yes). This knowledge empowers the implementation of effective preventive measures. Overall, biosecurity measures should be promoted and implemented with the main aim of reducing viral transmission and reducing the prevalence of this disease. We recognise that government authorities should promote and audit voluntary control and eradication programs in small ruminant flocks in the region studied.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060829

Año: 2023

Publicado en: Pathogens 12, 6 (2023), 829 [11 pp.]
ISSN: 2076-0817

Factor impacto JCR: 3.3 (2023)

Categ. JCR: MICROBIOLOGY rank: 70 / 161 = 0.435 (2023) - Q2 - T2

Factor impacto CITESCORE: 6.4 - Immunology and Allergy (Q2) - Immunology and Microbiology (all) (Q2) - Infectious Diseases (Q2) - Molecular Biology (Q2) - Microbiology (medical) (Q2)

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.843 - Immunology and Allergy (Q2) - Immunology and Microbiology (miscellaneous) (Q2) - Molecular Biology (Q2) - Microbiology (medical) (Q2) - Infectious Diseases (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Medicina y Cirugía Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)