Goatpox

Goatpox is a contagious viral disease of goats caused by the goatpox virus, a member of the Capripoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. Goatpox viruses are closely related to the sheeppox and lumpy skin disease viruses and primarily affect goats, with rare cross-species infections. The disease is endemic in parts of Africa and Asia, and outbreaks occur in areas with low vaccination coverage or when animals are moved between regions without proper health controls.

Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with infected animals or exposure to contaminated fomites, and aerosols can spread the virus during close contact. The incubation period is typically 5 to 14 days. In naïve herds, goatpox can spread rapidly and cause substantial morbidity; mortality varies with age, virulence of the strain, and concurrent illnesses.

Clinical signs begin with fever, listlessness, and reduced appetite, followed by the development of skin lesions. Nodules progress to vesicles, pustules, and scabs, commonly appearing on the face, ears, neck, and limbs, and sometimes on mucosal surfaces in the mouth and nose. Goats may show nasal and ocular discharge, swelling, and lameness. Abortions can occur in pregnant animals, and secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia may contribute to mortality, particularly in young kids.

Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and epidemiology and can be confirmed by laboratory methods such as PCR, virus isolation, or serology. Differential diagnosis includes other vesicular or pox diseases, such as contagious ecthyma (orf) and other capripoxvirus infections.

Control relies on vaccination with live attenuated goatpox or sheeppox vaccines, along with movement controls, quarantine of suspected cases, slaughter or isolation of infected animals, and biosecurity measures to reduce transmission. Vaccination is the most effective preventive tool in endemic areas, and outbreak response may include ring vaccination and surveillance.