Related Experiment Videos
Cache Valley virus infection in Texas sheep flocks.
S I Chung1, C W Livingston, C W Jones
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|August 11, 1991
Summary
Cache Valley virus (CVV) causes birth defects in sheep. This study found widespread CVV antibodies in Texas sheep in 1981 and confirmed its endemic presence in San Angelo, indicating a significant teratogenic risk.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Cache Valley virus (CVV) is an arbovirus native to the United States.
- CVV is recognized as a significant teratogenic agent in sheep populations.
- Congenital malformations in sheep have been linked to CVV, particularly in Texas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and geographic distribution of CVV-specific antibodies in Texas sheep.
- To assess the enzootic status of CVV in sheep at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in San Angelo.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for CVV-specific antibodies in sheep sera collected across Texas in 1981.
- Examination of sera from sheep at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo, from 1986 to 1989.
- Analysis of seroprevalence data in relation to sheep flocks and lambing seasons.
Main Results:
- In 1981, 19.1% of 366 sheep across 22 Texas counties tested positive for CVV antibodies.
- CVV antibodies were detected in 34 out of 50 surveyed flocks in major sheep-producing areas.
- Seroprevalence at the San Angelo station varied significantly: 8.6% (1986), 63.4% (1987), 11.3% (1988), and 71.9% (1989).
Conclusions:
- CVV infections are widespread among sheep in Texas, with significant prevalence noted in 1981.
- The virus is enzootic in the sheep flock at the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, San Angelo.
- These findings underscore the persistent teratogenic threat posed by CVV to sheep in Texas.