Serological Investigation of Maedi-Visna in Sheep With Chronic Respiratory Disease in Erbil, Iraq

Abstract

Maedi-Visna is a chronic and progressive viral disease most commonly seen in adult sheep. Disease is characterized by progressive interstitial pneumonia and/or neurological manifestations. The aim of this study is to serologically reveal the presence of Maedi-Visna in adult sheep in Erbil province in Iraq, which is an important area of sheep farming and also to investigate the prevalence of Maedi-Visna disease in sheep with chronic respiratory problems. Blood samples were obtained from 100 male and female Awassi sheep between 2 and 8 years old which were suffering from chronic pneumonia. The samples were obtained from the different locations in the city of Erbil and its provinces (Hawler, Dashti Hawler, Maxmur and Xebat) between January and April 2016. Blood samples were analysed for Maedi-Visna by using ELISA method in laboratory. According to the analysis, of 100 samples; positive, suspected and negative results were determined as 65%, 3% and 32%, respectively. Seropositivity increased with regard to age and it was determined higher in ewes. Highest seropositivity was determined in Hawler. Clinical findings such as emaciation, coughing, dyspnea, mastitis and paralysis were detected considerably high in the animals. As a result, Maedi-Visna was observed in animals with chronic respiratory system disease with high rate in Iraq-Erbil region. As this is the first study performed in the region related with Maedi-Visna, we believe that this study will provide a basis for the further studies in the region.