MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF SHEEPPOX VIRUS (SPV) IN YAZD PROVINCE OF IRAN

Background and Aim:Sheeppox virus (SPV) is belongs to Poxviridae family, Chordopaxvirinae sub-family, and capripoxvirus genus. SPV is an endemic disease in Iran and has very important role in agricultural economy. It is included in the notifiable diseases of Office International des Epizooties (OIE). The purpose of this study was molecular identification of SPV in Yazd province of Iran.Methods:A total of twenty-six biopsy samples from skin lesions of sheep suspected to SPV were collected from different districts of Yazd province. A previous developed capripoxvirus specific PCR assay was applied to identify the P32 gene encoding capripoxvirus immunodominant antigen to identify SPV.Results:Six samples (23.08%) were shown positive results for 390bp fragment of P32 gene. Spatially, the disease was recorded in 4 out of 14 districts.Conclusion:Our results revealed that SPV is endemic and dispersed in Yazd province of Iran. Hence, ring vaccination should be undertaken for a period of two to three years, to try to eradicate the SPV. The study also highlights high sensitivity of this PCR in detection of SPV.

Keywords:

Sheeppox virus , PCR , P32 gene , Yazd province , Iran