Spreading of Contagious Ecthyma in Small Ruminants in Bulgaria

Serological and virological investigations were performed to establish the prevalence and impact of the virus of contagious ecthyma (CE) in small ruminants in Bulgaria. Serological surveys were conducted by micro virus neutralization test of 219 serum samples obtained from animals inhabiting 14 sheep and goat farms. Virologically 63 samples (crusts and internal organs) derived from animals were tested by virus isolation with primary and permanent cell cultures. Molecular biological research to confirm the virus of CE was performed on 14 samples by conventional polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate the gene 045 of ORF virus. From sixty-three surveyed samples grown on primary and permanent cell cultures, ORF viruses were confirmed by PCR in 14 samples (22.2%). After serological testing in all sheep and goat farms 160 positive samples were found for antibodies against CE (73.06%). From the obtained results it can be concluded that CE is widespread in animals from sheep and goat farms.