Epidemiology, clinical features, and molecular detection of contagious ecthyma (ORF) virus in naturally infected goats of Puducherry (India) and its adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu

ORF is an acute, highly contagious, and economically important viral disease of small ruminants, caused by an epitheliotropic para-pox virus. The present investigation was carried out to study the epidemiology and clinical features of ORF in goats. In this study, six ORF suspected outbreaks among goats were investigated from Puducherry state and adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu state during the year 2022-23. The outbreaks reportedly started in the months of November and March (rainy season, during early summer) his period corresponds to rainy season. The disease was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and molecular identification. The morbidity in goats ranged from 3 to 100% based on management practices. The higher mortality was observed among flocks with mixed infections. Haematological parameters indicated significantly decreased Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, and significantly increased MCHC WBC and granulocytes compared to healthy goats. Macroscopic investigations revealed parakeratosis with micro abscess zones, hyperkeratosis, epithelial cell degeneration, necrotic foci. Also the acute phase proteins activated by the by disturbance in systemic homeostasis studied. It may be inferred that the ORFV had a considerable impact on goats haematological parameters early disease detection is crucial for enabling the application of management strategies to reduce the losses incurred by small and marginal farmers in this area.