Pulmonary Ovine Adenomatosis, also known as Jaagsiekte or ovine pulmonary adenomatosis (OPA), is a contagious and progressive viral disease that affects sheep. It primarily targets the lungs, leading to the development of adenomatous nodules, or tumors, which eventually obstruct the airways and impair respiratory function.
Caused by the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), this disease commonly affects sheep in various countries worldwide, with the highest prevalence found in Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact between infected and susceptible animals.
Clinical manifestations of pulmonary ovine adenomatosis include progressive respiratory distress, characterized by coughing, labored breathing, and weight loss. As the disease advances, sheep may exhibit increased respiratory rates, weakness, and accumulation of fluid in the chest, leading to respiratory failure and ultimately death.
Diagnosis of pulmonary ovine adenomatosis involves a combination of clinical signs, imaging techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound, and laboratory tests including serological analysis and viral detection methods. Post-mortem examination and histopathological analysis of lung tissue can also confirm the presence of characteristic adenomatous nodules.
Prevention and control measures for this disease include implementing strict biosecurity protocols, culling infected animals, and monitoring and isolating those that have come into contact with infected individuals. Vaccines are currently under development but are not yet widely available.
Pulmonary Ovine Adenomatosis poses a significant economic threat to sheep farming due to reduced productivity, increased mortality rates, and trade restrictions. Furthermore, the virus underlying the disease has been found to have similarities with certain human respiratory diseases, highlighting the importance of studying this disease for potential cross-species implications.
