Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. & Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
2
Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
3
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
4
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
5
Chabahar Veterinary Office, Sistan and Baluchestan Provincial Veterinary Service, Iranian Veterinary Organization, Chabahar, Iran.
10.32598/ARI.81.2.3744
Abstract
Introduction: Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a fatal disease affecting susceptible livestock species. Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2), the main causative agent of sheep-associated MCF, establishes asymptomatic infections in sheep and goats, which serve as reservoir hosts. This study investigated the molecular prevalence of OvHV-2 in small ruminants from the Sistan region of southeastern Iran.
Materials & Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 clinically healthy animals, including 48 sheep and 52 goats, from traditional husbandry systems in the Sistan region. DNA extracted from buffy coat samples was analyzed using heminested chain reaction (PCR) targeting the OvHV-2 POL and ORF75 genes. Selected positive samples were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Associations between infection and potential risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression.
Results: OvHV-2 DNA was detected in 15% (15/100) of the animals, including 16.7% (8/48) of sheep and 13.5% (7/52) of goats. No significant association was found between infection and species, age, sex, or geographical location. However, flock size was significantly associated with virus prevalence (P<0.05). Sequence analysis of the ORF75 gene showed 100% identity with isolates previously reported from Pakistan, Brazil, Turkey, Egypt, and India, indicating high genetic conservation.
Conclusion: OvHV-2 is circulating among sheep and goats in the Sistan region and may contribute to the risk of MCF in susceptible livestock. This study provides the first molecular evidence of OvHV-2 infection in small ruminants from the region and highlights the importance of management practices, particularly separation of reservoir and susceptible species, for disease control.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)