First molecular detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in sheep in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Undiagnosed and unresponsive nature of some respiratory ailments, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is one of the major challenges encountered veterinary clinicians, as it participates in morbidity and mortality. The present work intends to assess the clinical, molecular, and phylogenetic understanding of this virus in sheep in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. For this survey, 322 nasal swabs from apparently healthy sheep and those with respiratory signs were obtained from different districts in the Nineveh governorate. The findings displayed a 3.1% total prevalence rate of RSV in sheep. Infected sheep with RSV clinically manifested by fever, depress, fluctuant appetite, serous to mucopurulent ocular and nasal discharge, coarse wool, coughing, polypnea, and increased vesicular murmurs sound. Furthermore, noticeable rise in body temperature, respiratory and heart rate. The results of the current work also indicated some epidemiological factors linked with the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus, indicating a significantly higher of the prevalence in sheep between two to seven months of age and those that showed respiratory signs. No significant changes were observed in the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus in the origin and flock size of infected sheep. Four sequences were booked in NCBI GenBank under accession numbers (PV297889.1, PV297890.1, PV297891.1, and PV297892.1) were booked in NCBI GenBank. These local sequences were in near harmony (97% - 100% identity) with those sequences of Croatia (KY680331.1, KY680330.1, and KY680329.1) and (99.5% identity) of Italy (KY753448.1). In conclusion, a monitoring and prevention strategy is required to control this virus in small and large ruminants.