Sheep Pox and Goat Pox: Clinical Signs and Effective Prevention Measures

Sheep pox and goat pox (Capripox) are infectious diseases caused by poxviruses in livestock. The disease occurs sporadically in some farming regions in our country. It affects both goats and sheep and spreads rapidly. It is characterized by pox lesions on the skin, especially on the face, mouth, and nasal mucosa. Young goats and sheep are more severely affected, with a high mortality rate (30–40%), leading to significant economic losses.
Proactive disease prevention, early diagnosis, and the application of recommended care and disease control measures, combined with Fivevet’s solutions, will help farmers reduce risks, protect their goat and sheep herds, and maintain stable production efficiency. 1. Sheep Pox and Goat Pox Disease
This disease is caused by viruses belonging to the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, genus Capripoxvirus. Recombination can occur among viral strains, leading to the emergence of multiple variants with different levels of virulence.
Viruses have an outer membrane, and their genetic material is double-stranded DNA.
2. Epidemiology
a. Susceptible species
The virus primarily affects goats and sheep, with fairly typical clinical signs observed in most breeds. However, indigenous breeds are generally less susceptible; the disease tends to be milder with fewer noticeable lesions. In some cases, skin lesions may be mistaken for insect bites or contagious ecthyma. The mortality rate is usually low.
b. Transmission
The disease is mainly transmitted through direct contact via the skin or through insect bites. In some cases, the pathogen may enter through the respiratory route. Notably, scabs from infected animals can still harbor the virus and remain infectious for several months.
3. Clinical Signs and Lesions of Sheep Pox and Goat Pox
The clinical signs and severity of the disease vary depending on the animal species and the viral strain involved.
The incubation period is typically 8–13 days; however, in experimental infections via subcutaneous inoculation, it may be as short as about 4 days. Some European sheep breeds (e.g., the Soay breed) may die rapidly before the appearance of skin lesions.
Characteristic clinical signs:
- High fever of around 40°C, lasting 2–5 days.
- Followed by the appearance of a rash forming small hyperemic areas, which are more easily observed on non-pigmented skin.
- Subsequently, firm pox nodules develop, about 0.5–1cm in diameter, covering the entire body or concentrating in the groin, axilla, and perineal region (between the anus and genitalia). In some cases, the nodules are surrounded by multiple vesicles.
In some European goat breeds, characteristic signs include superficial hemorrhages, while the pox lesions may coalesce into large patches covering the entire body; affected animals often die.
Within 24 hours after the appearance of pox lesions, the animals may show the following signs:
- Rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
- Enlarged lymph nodes, especially the prescapular lymph nodes.
- Pox lesions in the eyes cause varying degrees of blepharitis. If lesions develop on the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose with ulceration, the animals may exhibit lacrimation and purulent nasal discharge.
- Necrosis of the mucous membranes of the mouth, anus, prepuce, and vulva.
- Difficulty breathing and wheezing due to:
+ Enlargement of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes causing compression.
+ Pulmonary lesions.
Later stage:
If the animal does not die during the acute phase of the disease:
- The pox lesions undergo necrosis, with thrombus formation at the base.
- After 5–10 days, the lesions form scabs.
- The scabs persist for about 6 weeks and then leave scars.
- The damaged skin is prone to fly bites, increasing the risk of secondary pneumonia.
Other signs: Animals rarely lose their appetite, except when lesions in the mouth make feeding difficult. Abortion is uncommon.
Findings in animals that die in the acute form:
- Fewer skin lesions are observed compared to animals that survive.
- Necrosis of mucous membranes, with enlarged and edematous lymph nodes.
- Ulcerative lesions may be found on the mucosa of the abomasum, and sometimes in the rumen and large intestine, as well as on the tongue, palate, esophagus, and trachea.
- Multiple pale necrotic nodules, about 2 cm in diameter, can be observed on the surface of the liver, kidneys, and testes.
- In the lungs (especially the diaphragmatic lobes), numerous firm necrotic foci may develop, with diameters reaching up to 5cm. 4. Diagnosis of Sheep Pox and Goat Pox
a. Clinical diagnosis
The disease is primarily diagnosed based on clinical signs and characteristic lesions.
Differential diagnosis should be made with diseases showing similar signs, such as contagious ecthyma (orf), bluetongue, fungal dermatitis, sheep scab, mange, and photosensitization.
b. Laboratory diagnosis
Electron microscopy can be used to detect viral particles in samples, or samples can be cultured in cell media to identify inclusion bodies.
Common samples include: skin from pox lesions, affected lungs, and lymph nodes.
Other diagnostic methods:
- ELISA can be used to detect viral antigens during the first week after the onset of clinical signs, before neutralizing antibodies appear in the serum.
- PCR techniques can identify the virus even after antibodies have already developed in the body.
5. Prevention of Sheep Pox and Goat Pox
a. Hygiene and preventive measures
Proper care and management of livestock:
- Provide adequate feed and clean drinking water, ensuring hygiene.
- Keep housing well-ventilated in summer and warm in winter.
- Maintain floors and housing areas free of sharp objects to prevent skin injuries and abrasions in animals.
b. Vaccination
Effective prevention can be achieved through the use of live attenuated or inactivated vaccines.
- Goat pox and sheep pox vaccine by Vetvaco (aluminum adjuvant): Administer the first dose at 1 month of age, with a booster after 6 months; dosage: 1 ml per animal.
- For breeding goats and sheep, vaccination should follow the reproductive cycle.
- Goat pox and sheep pox vaccine by Navetco (live attenuated, GTQ strain): Used for goats and sheep over 1 month of age, with a booster after 6 months; dosage: 1 ml per animal.
6. Treatment of Sheep Pox and Goat Pox
As this is a viral disease, there is no specific treatment. Management mainly focuses on supportive care and prevention of secondary infections to reduce disease severity and promote recovery.
Care and management measures:
- Provide adequate nutrition and clean drinking water, ensuring good hygiene.
- Reduce stocking density to minimize stress in the herd.
- Isolate infected animals to limit the spread of the disease.
Keep housing clean and dry. Carry out regular disinfection using one of the following products: Five-Iodine, Five-BGF, Five-B.K.G, Five-Perkon 3S, etc., along with one of the insecticides such as Five-Tox 250, Five-Cymethrin, Five-Permethrin, etc. Management of skin lesions: Use Five-CTC Spray, applying it directly onto the pox lesions to disinfect, prevent secondary infections, and promote faster healing of the lesions. Use one of the following drugs to treat secondary infections in goats and sheep: Five-Kanamycin, Five-Ampi.Kana, Five-Gentoxin, Five-Licopectin, etc., along with supportive treatments such as Five-Butasal, Five-Cafein, Five-Vitamin C Inj, etc. Proper care and management of goats and sheep, along with adequate nutrition, will help improve their immunity, support faster recovery, and minimize losses caused by the disease.
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is sheep pox and goat pox (Capripox)?
Sheep pox and goat pox are infectious diseases caused by the Capripoxvirus, affecting goats and sheep. They are characterized by pox lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, spread rapidly, and can easily lead to outbreaks.
2. How is sheep pox and goat pox transmitted?
The disease is mainly transmitted through direct contact, insect bites, and sometimes via the respiratory route. Scabs from infected animals can carry the virus for several months, increasing the risk of transmission.
3. What are the signs of sheep pox and goat pox?
Affected goats and sheep often develop high fever, followed by firm pox lesions on the skin, especially on the face, nose, mouth, groin, and axilla. Severe cases may show respiratory distress, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and rapid death, particularly in young animals.
4. Can sheep pox and goat pox be treated?
As it is a viral disease, there is no specific treatment. Management focuses on supportive care, disinfection of lesions, and prevention of secondary infections to aid recovery.
5. Does Fivevet offer solutions for prevention and control?
Fivevet provides solutions, including disinfectants, insecticides, supportive treatments, and immune-boosting products, to help farmers minimize losses and effectively control the disease.