Sheep border dz

What pathogen causes Border Disease?

Pestivirus.

How is Border Disease transmitted?

Respiratory secretions, transplacental, and semen.

What happens when non-pregnant sheep are infected with Border Disease?

They shed the virus for a few weeks and self-recover.

What are the potential outcomes for pregnant sheep infected with Border Disease at less than 60 days of gestation?

Abortion.

What can occur in pregnant sheep infected between 60-85 days of gestation?

Abortion or persistently infected (PI) lamb.

What is the outcome for pregnant sheep infected after 85 days of gestation?

They give birth to a persistently infected (PI) lamb.

What clinical signs are observed in lambs affected by Border Disease?

Hairy little shakers, small size, conformational abnormalities, dry hairy fleece, neurological issues like muscle tremors.

What are the implications of Border Disease on fertility rates?

Poor fertility.

What is the role of PCR in investigations of Border Disease?

To identify persistently infected (PI) lambs.

Is there a treatment available for Border Disease?

No treatment available.

What control measures should be taken for Border Disease?

Identify and cull PI lambs, avoid buying infected animals, and routine screening in rams before breeding.

What type of immunity can non-pregnant animals develop against Border Disease?

Natural immunity through exposure.

What are the impacts of Border Disease on lamb growth?

Reduced lamb growth.

What specific abnormality is commonly seen in PI lambs?

Hairy little shakers.

What are some of the clinical signs to investigate in sheep for Border Disease?

Abortions, weight loss in ewes, reduced DLWG in lambs.

What action is advised if a positive case of Border Disease is found?

Cull the positive animal.

What are the key signs of weight loss associated with Border Disease?

Weight loss in ewes and reduced rates of daily live weight gain (DLWG) in lambs.

What happens to lambs that contract Border Disease?

They may exhibit neurological abnormalities and reduced growth.

How can Border Disease affect reproductive outcomes?

It leads to reproductive losses and poor fertility rates.

What is the significance of detecting PI lambs via diagnostic testing?

They are persistently infected (ag positive but ab negative) and can spread the disease.