Serological characterization of the new genotype E of small ruminant lentivirus in roccaverano goat flocks

摘要

Maedi visna virus (MVV) and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus ( CAEV) are a heterogeneous group of infectious agents affecting sheep and goats. Due to their natural cross-species infection they are referred to as small-ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV). Recently a new genetic cluster, highly divergent from MVV and CAEV was identified in the northwest part of Italy. A panel of genotype E specific antigens was developed and evaluated in flocks infected with B1 and E strains. The results clearly indicate that a strain specific antigen is required to correctly identify animals infected with different genotypes.