Small Ruminants and Lentivirus Research: Future Directions

Dear Colleagues,

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV), which include Maedi-visna virus (MVV) and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV), are a heterogeneous group of viruses that can infect sheep, goats and wild ruminants. SRLV causes persistent systemic diseases affecting the lungs, mammary glands, synovial joints and central nervous system, leading to significant economic losses. Because SRLV does not cause high mortality, they are not considered a relevant issue in many countries and are not subjected to official control plans, although both diseases are notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The relationship between small ruminants and SRLV is complex. The severity of the infection depends on the viral strain and the genetic background of the host. Early and definitive diagnosis of SRLV infections is important for any control and eradication efforts; however, a ‘gold standard' for the detection of SRLV infections does not exist. The main barrier to the successful development of a universally accepted diagnostic test is the genetic variability of SRLV associated with mutations, recombination and cross-species transmission, genes associated with resistance or susceptibility to infection with SRLV and with the innate and adaptive immunity of the host.

In this special issue, we invite the submission of original research or review articles, short notes, and communications on different aspects of infection with SRLV including epidemiology, reservoir animals and characterization of the virus and route of transmission. However, contributions concerning diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of infection with SRLV and studies on virus–host interactions, innate and acquired immune responses and vaccine development are also welcome. You are cordially invited to contribute on this topic in order to improve the knowledge of lentivirus infections in small ruminants.

Dr. Monika Olech
Prof. Dr. Jacek Kuźmak
Guest Editors

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