Syndrome in sheep resembling mucosal disease in cattle
Monies, R.J.; Simpson, V.R.
Veterinary Record 141(17): 451
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 9369005 Document Number: 472944
A condition resembling bovine mucosal disease which was seen in lambs in 2 outbreaks in 1993 and 1996/97 is described. In both outbreaks, sick lambs were affected by persistent diarrhoea and weight loss. PM examination showed mucosal ulcerations in the alimentary system. A non-cytopathic pestivirus was isolated from affected lambs in both outbreaks. Serological testing for bovine diarrhoea virus (BDV) and border disease virus of breeding ewes in the flock of origin of the lambs in the first outbreak was negative. Four of 15 lambs in the second flock were viraemic; 8 others were seropositive for BDV antibody. The results provide substantial evidence that the lesions were caused by persistent infection with BDV/border diseases virus. Since one of the lambs examined had a concurrent coccidial infection, it is suggested that, if lambs with diarrhoea fail to respond to treatment, the possibility of persistent pestivirus infection should be considered.