Seroprevalence of Contagious Ecthyma and Its Associated Risk Factors in Sheep and Goats of Punjab, Pakistan

The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of contagious ecthyma along with the association of various risk factors in goats and sheep through qualitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This technique is sensitive and cost-effective for detecting disease in large no of animals. For this purpose, serum samples from 350 goats and 91 sheep were collected on the 20th day post-infection for detection of antibodies, and essential information related to potential risk factors was collected through a questionnaire from fourteen districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Serologically positive samples were processed through PCR for confirmation using scab samples by identifying the GIF/IL-2 gene. This study found an overall 13.2% seroprevalence of contagious ecthyma infection, indicating a higher percentage in goats (14.6%) than in sheep (7.7%). In goats, the significant association (P<0.0001) of contagious ecthyma infection with seroprevalence was found in 4 districts; however, contagious ecthyma antibodies titers were found positive in sheep of Muzaffargarh only. The risk factors such as young age, female gender, grazing without stall feeding, presence of lesions on the lips, and injuries on the skin caused by prickly trees and cotton stubbles were found significantly (p<0.05) associated factors in goats; and age and injuries on the skin were important associated risk factors in sheep. The maximum occurrence of contagious ecthyma infection was found from September to December in both goats and sheep; having a significant association in goats (& chi;2=39.2) (P<0.0001). Likewise, the purchase of new animals and mixing up with the existing animals without quarantine measures cause contagious ecthyma to prevail in the vicinity. Moreover, contagious ecthyma antibodies were detected by ELISA kits up to 50th day post-infection in the current study. This is the first study that reported the seroprevalence of contagious ecthyma in Punjab, Pakistan. Comprehension of risk variables will not only be helpful to develop awareness amongst farmers but will also provide guidelines to government officials about the prevention and control of the disease.