Orf in goats in China: prevalence and risk factors

摘要

Orf is an important viral disease that affects goats and sheep and results in large economicrnlosses. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of orf and to identify thernpotential risk factors of this disease in the main breeding areas of China. Among 1241 bloodrnsamples collected from goats without clinical signs of orf, 433 samples (34.89%) werernpositive for orf virus infection, which was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)rntargeting a partial B2L sequence of the viral genome. Moreover, a total of 874 buccal swabrnsamples were collected, of which 64 samples (7.32%) were positive for the orf virus on thernbasis of PCR detection. According to logistic regression, all of the variables, including age,rnbreed, location and farm management, had significant impacts on the prevalence of orf.rnLambs under intensive management in Yunnan province were more susceptible to orf virusrninfection than animals in other groups. Anglo-Nubian goats were at more risk of orf positivityrnthan other breeds, whereas Saanen dairy goats were at significantly less risk. In summary, asrnthe first epidemiological study of orf in China, our investigation suggested that orf is arnneglected disease that requires more attention in the future.