CIRCULATION OF SMALL RUMINANT LENTIVIRUS IN ENDANGERED GOAT AND SHEEP BREEDS OF SOUTHERN ITALY

Authors  Ostuni A, Albarella S, Tassoni L, Pugliano M, D'Anza E, Crudele M A, Ciotola F, Beato M S, Iovane V, Cecchini Gualandi S, Frontoso R, De Vendel J, Peretti V, Bavoso A

Abstract Italy presents one of the largest numbers of local small ruminant breeds among the European countries according to the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of FAO. In Southern Italy, namely Campania Region, there are Bagnolese and Laticauda sheep breeds and Cilentana goat breed that are considered endangered according to the DAD-IS. Conservation of endangered animal breeds is goal of the European Union. The role of infectious diseases as risk factor for endangered breeds has been, in general, scarcely considered. Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV), infect sheep and goats causing slow-progressive, persistent and debilitating diseases that can lead to the death of the animals and result in  productivity losses. In this study we have investigated the presence of the SRLV in Bagnolese, Laticauda and Cilentana breeds using a commercial ELISA in parallel with an in-house ELISA. Results from the two tests were in very good agreement (Cohen Kappa 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76-0.93). Discrepancies between the two tests were resolved using western blotting. In total 430 samples were tested (248 Bagnolese, 125 Laticauda and 57 Cilentana). The apparent prevalence found was 12,5 %, 6,4 % and 1,7% for Bagnolese, Laticauda and Cilentana respectively. In a molecular analysis of eleven proviral partial sequences, the B2 and A24 subtypes were found in two Bagnolese herds. Due to the beneficial role of sheep and goats breeding in marginal areas, it is important to screen the entire populations and implement a control/eradication of the SRLV infections in conjunction with each conservation program.

Publish Date 2024

Volume 10 (13)

ISSN 2405-8440

DOI doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33906

URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024099377?pes=vor

Journal  Heliyon

Pages art. n. e33906

PMID 39027592