GOAT POX AND DERMATITIS

The malignant poxes of goats which include goat dermatitis or stone pox are characterized by fever and generalized nodular pocks.
Etiology
It is caused by virus. The organisms involved are ill-defined.
Occurrence
Goat pox is endemic in Africa, Asia and Europe where good number of goats are found. It has been reported from Australia and Paraguay South America. Goat dermatitis is found in India and South East Asia.
Species affected
Three viruses are involved in development of goat pox and two of the viruses appear to affect only goats. The third affect sheep and goats.
Transmission
One of the viruses affecting only goats is spread by direct and indirect contact. The others appear to be transmitted by arthropod. The virus affecting sheep and goat is spread by arthropod but the vectors are not known.
Clinical signs
General malaise
Fever
Lacrimation and rhinorrhea
There is papule formation in the skin and mucous membrane. They harden and thicken into circumscribed nodules. Some become unbilicated and exude. The exudates dry to form crust.
Others necrosed and shade leaving shallow ulcers which rapidly encrust.
Irritation can be enormous and self inflicted mutilation is common.
Crust persists for 3-4 weeks and drop off leaving permanent scars.
Diagnosis
This is based on history, clinical signs and lesions.
Biopsy of crusts is examined using electron microscope.
it is also based on isolation and recognition of the virus.
Immunology
Recovered goats are probably immuned forever. Vaccines both inactivated and attenuated are available.
Control
It can be controlled by prophylactic vaccination.