Border disease

Border disease is a viral disease that primarily affects sheep, but can also infect other domestic animals. It is named after the border region between England and Scotland where it was first identified in the 1950s. The disease is caused by the Border disease virus (BDV), a member of the Pestivirus genus, which also includes the viruses that cause bovine viral diarrhea in cattle and classical swine fever in pigs.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of border disease vary widely and can include congenital defects, stillbirth, and reduced growth rate in lambs. Adult sheep may show no symptoms, or they may exhibit signs of ill thrift, such as poor condition and wool quality. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical signs and confirmed by laboratory testing for the presence of the virus or antibody response.

Transmission and Prevention

Border disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their secretions. The virus can also be spread indirectly through contaminated feed or equipment. Pregnant ewes that become infected can transmit the virus to their offspring, which may be born persistently infected and continue to shed the virus throughout their lives.

Prevention strategies include maintaining good biosecurity practices, such as isolating new animals before introducing them to the flock, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment. Vaccination is not currently available for border disease, so control relies on identifying and culling infected animals.

Impact

Border disease can have significant economic impact on sheep farming due to reduced lamb survival and growth rates, and decreased wool quality. It can also cause emotional distress for farmers due to the loss of animals and the ongoing management challenges posed by the disease.

Research

Research into border disease is ongoing, with scientists working to better understand the virus and its transmission, develop effective vaccines, and improve diagnostic methods.

See also

• Sheep farming
• Viral diseases in animals
• Pestivirus

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