Retrospective study of poxviruses diagnosed in cattle from Goiás State,
Brazil (2010-2018)
Abstract
A retrospective study of poxvirus infections diagnosed in cattle from
Goiás state (GO), Brazil, between 2010 and 2018, was performed. All
cases have been investigated by the GO Official Veterinary Service
(Agrodefesa), from which technical forms and protocols of veterinary
diagnosis laboratories were reviewed. In most cases, samples of oral or
cutaneous tissues and/or swabs were submitted for virological diagnosis
by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or virus isolation. Thirty seven
outbreaks/cases of vesicular disease were notified in cattle of 25
counties; in 33 cases the animals presented lesions clinically
compatible with poxviruses. The etiology of 25 out of 33 outbreaks/cases
was confirmed as poxviruses by PCR and/or viral isolation: 13 as bovine
vaccinia virus (VACV), 6 as pseudocowpox virus (PCPV), 5 as bovine
papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) and 1 coinfection (VACV and an Orf
virus-like parapoxvirus). The laboratory confirmed cases occurred mainly
in dairy cattle (19/25) and during the dry season (22/25). In adult
cattle, gross changes were observed mainly in the teats and udder and
included vesicles, ulcers, crusts, papules and scars and varied of type,
severity and affected region, depending on the poxvirus species. In
calves, the main lesions were ulcers in the mouth and muzzle. Human
lesions compatible with poxvirus infections were observed for all
diagnosed poxviruses, affecting especially the hands of milkers and
other farm workers. Our data demonstrate the sanitary and economic
relevance of these diseases and the wide circulation of different
poxviruses in cattle from GO.