Seroprevalence of Sheep and Goat Pox Virus Infection in Small Ruminants in Three Egyptian Governorates

Sheep and goat pox virus (SGP) is a contagious virus that infects sheep and goats and can lead to trade restrictions and large financial losses. A cross-sectional study was done to investigate the seroprevalence of SGP virus infection and its related risk factors in sheep and goats. A total of 810 serum samples (400 sheep and 410 goats) were collected from Kafr ElSheikh, Qalyubi and Gharbia governorates during January to December 2023and examined using virus neutralization test (VNT). The overall seroprevalence of SGP virus infection was 15.3%, with 13.8% in sheep and 16.8% in goats. The highest seroprevalence was observed in Kafr Elsheikh (17.1%) and the lowest seroprevalence was reported in Qalyubia governorate (13.5%). In addition, the seroprevalence of SGP virus infections was significantly associated with sex, age and flock size. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of seroprevalence of SGP in Kafr ElSheikh and females were two times higher than in other areas and males. Moreover, the odds of seropositivity for SGP virus in young animals below one year and animals raising large flocks were three times higher than in other age groups and small flocks. The study confirms the distribution of the SGP virus among Egyptian sheep and goats. Hence, implementing an efficient mass vaccination program can effectively manage sheep and goat pox disease in studied areas and across the country.