Adenomatosis Pulmonary Bovine (APB) is a contagious and chronic lung disease primarily affecting cattle and other ruminant animals. It is caused by the bovine pulmonary adenomatosis virus, also known as Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), and is characterized by the progressive development of tumors in the lungs.
The disease is primarily transmitted through respiratory secretions from infected animals, such as coughing or sneezing, although transmission through prolonged close contact with infected animals can also occur. Once the virus enters the respiratory system, it infects the cells lining the airways and alveoli of the lungs, leading to the uncontrolled division and growth of these cells.
The tumors that develop in the lungs of affected animals can vary in size and distribution, often leading to the compression of normal lung tissue and subsequent respiratory difficulties. These tumors also have the potential to metastasize to other organs, such as the lymph nodes or liver, further exacerbating the disease.
Clinical signs of APB include difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, decreased exercise tolerance, weight loss, and eventually, respiratory failure. The disease is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical signs, radiographic imaging, and laboratory testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virus detection or histopathological examination of lung tissues.
Prevention and control of APB primarily rely on implementing biosecurity measures, such as quarantine and isolation of affected animals, proper sanitation, and vaccination programs. Affected animals are often euthanized due to the chronic and progressive nature of the disease.
