Live attenuated goatpox vaccination in pregnant Murcia-Granada goats: dosage implications and outcomes

Infectious diseases, particularly the Goatpox virus (GTPV) from the Poxviridae family, significantly impact livestock health and agricultural economies, especially in developing regions. Recent GTPV outbreaks in previously eradicated areas underscore the need for effective control measures, with vaccination being the most reliable strategy. This study investigates the effects of administering standard and double doses of live attenuated goatpox vaccine in pregnant Murcia-Granada goats, a non-native breed in Iran, to determine optimal vaccination protocols.

In 2018, 400 healthy and pregnant Murcia Granada goats imported from Spain were divided into groups of 200 and vaccinated with either a standard dose (0.5 ml) or a double dose (single 0.9 ml injection) of live attenuated goatpox vaccine. Post-vaccination, the goats were monitored daily for clinical signs of infection, with samples collected for PCR analysis to detect the presence of GTPV strains. In group A, which received the standard vaccine dose, no abortions or vaccine-related side effects were observed, and body temperatures remained normal. In group B, administered a double dose, 37% of the goats experienced abortions, displaying signs of GTPV infection, such as skin lesions (pox lesions) and increased body temperatures. Molecular analysis confirmed the vaccine strain of GTPV as the infection source, ruling out external contamination. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in abortion rates concerning gestational age or t he age of the pregnant goats.

The study highlights the importance of adhering to standard vaccine dosages in pregnant Murcia Granada goats to prevent adverse outcomes like abortions. This study emphasizes the necessity to review and revise vaccination protocols tailored to specific breeds and varying maintenance conditions, including pregnancy and outbreak scenarios. These findings stress the necessity for cautious and tailored vaccination strategies to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines in different goat breeds.