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[Maedi and maedi control (author's transl)].
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|August 15, 1980
Summary
Maedi/visna eradication in sheep using ELISA testing and culling significantly reduced infection rates. Artificial rearing of lambs also proved highly effective in preventing maedi virus transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Sheep Pathology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Maedi/visna virus causes chronic pneumonia in sheep.
- Approximately 30% of Dutch sheep are antibody-positive for maedi virus.
- An experimental eradication program was initiated in the Netherlands.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an eradication scheme for maedi/visna virus in sheep.
- To assess the efficacy of ELISA testing and culling in reducing infection prevalence.
- To determine the success of artificial rearing in preventing vertical transmission.
Summary:
- An experimental eradication scheme involving ELISA testing and culling every six months was implemented.
- Initial testing identified 25.4% reactors, which decreased to 11.7% after six months.
- Artificial rearing of lambs, separated at birth and deprived of ovine colostrum, resulted in only 0.5% positive reactors compared to 39% in naturally reared lambs.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the feasibility of reducing maedi/visna virus prevalence through systematic testing and culling.
- Highlights artificial rearing as a highly effective strategy to prevent transmission from infected dams.
- Provides evidence for controlling a significant ovine retroviral disease.