Advances in Small Ruminant Lentivirus Research: New Diagnostics, Emerging Trends, and Future Perspectives

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Clinical Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 545

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Pulawy, Poland
Interests: small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV); Maedi-Visna (MVV); caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV); diagnosis; epidemiology; host–virus interactions
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs), including Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV) and caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV), are persistent pathogens affecting sheep, goats, and wild ruminants. These viruses lead to systemic diseases impacting the lungs, mammary glands, synovial joints, and central nervous system, resulting in significant economic losses. Despite the absence of vaccines or treatments, recent advancements in molecular diagnostics and the understanding of virus–host interactions offer promising new avenues for managing these infections.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest innovations in SRLV research, focusing on cutting-edge diagnostic tools, emerging insights into virus biology, and strategies for prevention and control. We encourage contributions that push the boundaries of current knowledge, including novel epidemiological findings, advanced diagnostic methods, and potential therapeutic approaches. Submissions may address topics such as SRLV epidemiology, pathogenesis, immune response, virulence factors, and future perspectives on disease management.

Dr. Monika Olech
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • small ruminant lentiviruses
  • SRLV
  • MVV
  • CAEV
  • sheep
  • goats
  • wild ruminants
  • diagnosis
  • management strategies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Insights into Maedi-Visna Virus in Algeria: First National Seroprevalence Survey and Risk Factor Profiling in Sheep Herds
by Takfarinas Idres, Nasir Adam Ibrahim, Ali Lamara, Sofiane Boudjellaba, Assia Derguini, Nosiba Sulaiman Basher, Soraya Temim, Mohammed Saad Aleissa and Yahia Chebloune
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152166 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 253
Abstract
Maedi-visna virus (MVV), a small ruminant lentivirus causing chronic multisystemic disease in sheep, poses significant economic burdens due to reduced productivity and a lack of effective treatments. Despite its worldwide prevalence, epidemiological data from Algeria remain absent. This first national seroprevalence study aimed [...] Read more.
Maedi-visna virus (MVV), a small ruminant lentivirus causing chronic multisystemic disease in sheep, poses significant economic burdens due to reduced productivity and a lack of effective treatments. Despite its worldwide prevalence, epidemiological data from Algeria remain absent. This first national seroprevalence study aimed to elucidate MVV distribution, risk factors, and transmission dynamics in Algerian sheep herds. A cross-sectional survey of 1400 sheep across four regions (East, Center, West, South) was conducted, with sera analyzed via indirect ELISA (IDvet). Risk factors (geography, age, sex, breed, farming system) were evaluated using chi-square tests and Cramer’s V. Overall seroprevalence was 9.07% (95% CI: 7.57–10.57), with significant variation by sex (females: 20.44% vs. males: 3.68%; p < 0.05), age (1–5 years: 6.86% vs. <1 year: 0.29%; p = 0.01), and region (Central: 3.36% vs. Eastern: 0.86%; p < 0.05). Notably, no association was found with breed or farming system (p ≥ 0.08), contrasting prior studies and suggesting region-specific transmission dynamics. Females exhibited heightened seropositivity, implicating prolonged herd retention and vertical transmission risks. Geographic disparities highlighted industrialized farming in central Algeria as a potential transmission amplifier. Strikingly, seronegative animals in high-prevalence herds hinted at genetic resistance, warranting further investigation. This study provides foundational insights into MVV epidemiology in North Africa, underscoring the need for targeted surveillance, ewe-focused control measures, and genetic research to mitigate transmission. The absence of prior national data elevates its significance, offering actionable frameworks for resource-limited settings and enriching the global understanding of SRLV heterogeneity. Full article
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