WHAT IS SHEEP AND GOAT POX?
Sheep pox and goat pox (SPGP) is a serious highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats which can lead to high mortality.
IMMEDIATE REPORTING IS CRUCIAL!
These diseases may cause significant consequences and economic losses for farmers due to mortality, decreased milk production, poor quality of hides and wool and trade restrictions.
WAYS OF TRANSMISSION
The most important ways of transmission are:
• Primarily transmitted through aerosol exposure from close contact with animals showing severe clinical signs, particularly those with ulcerated papules on the mucous membranes.
• Through abraded skin of infected animal.
• Virus is excreted in milk, urine, feces.
• Indirect transmission via fomites is possible.
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF THE DISEASE?
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR ANIMALS?
It is most important to immediately report to your veterinarian any change in the health condition of your sheep or goats. Early detection will prevent wide spread of the disease, will save many small ruminants and disease can be more effectively controlled.
• Fever.
• Weakness and loss of appetite.
• Lymph node swelling.
• Decreased milk yield.
• Discharges from eyes, nose and mouth.
• Difficulty breathing (pneumonia).
• Death.
Compliance with veterinary legislation and good biosecurity measures, animal identification, movement control and quarantine are the most reliable way to prevent the entrance of the SPGP viruses into goat and sheep farms.
• Respecting and implementing strict biosecurity measures.
• Buying animals from registered sources, accompanied by proper health certificate.
• Identification and registration of animals on your farm.
• Maintain good hygiene by regular cleaning and disinfection of the farm and equipment.
• Use only your equipment on your farm.
• Avoid contact of your animals with other animals.
• Restrict entrance of vehicles or visitors on your farm.