1Division of Microbiology & Immunology, S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama (Alusteng), Srinagar-190006.
2Veterinary Clinical Complex Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & A. H., S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Shuhama (Alusteng), Srinagar-190006.
3SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, RS Pura, Jammu-181104.
Abstracts of Research Papers Presented during the National Symposium of Indian Virological Society at Unit of Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, October 14–1.
We have previously provided clinical, serological and molecular evidence for the presence of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) in cattle in Kashmir, India. But there is very little information available in India regarding the epidemiology of ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) the causative agent of the disease. Thus the aim of the present investigation was to determine the prevalence of OvHV-2 infection in cattle, carrier status of sheep and goats as well as to define the pattern of acquisition of OvHV-2 in lambs under natural flock conditions in Kashmir, India. None of the buffy coat samples from 21 lambs studied was found to carry OvHV-2 DNA sequences up to 28 days after birth, suggestive of absence of vertical transmission of the infection in lambs. Only one lamb out of 21 lambs possessed OvHV-2 DNA as early as 29 days after birth. The majority (95%) of the lambs demonstrated the presence of OvHV-2 DNA sequences in their buffy coat samples when they were between 43 to 94 (average 66.9) days of age. Statistical susceptibility of lambs to OvHV-2 was influenced more by increase in age than temperature.
OvHV-2 DNA sequences were detected in buffy coat samples of 28 (85%) of 33 adult sheep, 16 (61%) of 26 adult goats by hemi-nested PCR. Seventeen (31%) of 55 field blood samples from cattle with MCF-like symptoms possessed OvHV-2 DNA sequences. Nine (53%) deaths were recorded in 17 cases found positive for OvHV-2 DNA sequences by PCR. All these deaths were recorded during the months of April to November of the period (November 2002 to March 2004) under study. No clinical case of SAMCF was recorded during the months of December to March of the period of study. The overall prevalence rate of the Ov HV-2 infection in the cattle was less than 1%. The total cattle population is 3000.
The present study highlights about the disadvantages of mixed farming and the migratory sheep and goat flock system commonly practised in the state of Jammu & Kashmir as it augments the close contact of carrier animals with susceptible species like cattle, buffaloes in plain areas and with the rare and conserved species of deer, the Kashmir hangul or Kashmir stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu), in highland pastures. The situation becomes even more alarming in view of the fact that the hangul has already been declared an endangered species. The pattern of acquisition of OvHV2 infection in lambs revealed by the present study will serve as a guideline for raising OvHV-2 free sheep.
