Difference between revisions of "Louping Ill"
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| − | == Introduction | + | {{review}} |
| + | == Introduction == | ||
| − | This is a viral disease affecting sheep, grouse, hares, deer, elk, small rodents, ticks and humans; therefore the disease is zoonotic. The reservoir host for this disease is hard ticks (Ixodes ricinus) and this is transmitted to the host by | + | This is a viral disease affecting sheep, grouse, hares, deer, elk, small rodents, ticks and humans; therefore the disease is zoonotic. The reservoir host for this disease is hard ticks (''[[Ixodes ricinus]]'') and this is transmitted to the host by saliva when the tick bites. Therefore, spread mirrors seasonal tick activity. |
| − | The virus replicates in macrophages causing pyrexia and then recovery. The second phase of the virus replication | + | The virus replicates in [[macrophages]] causing pyrexia and then recovery. The second phase of the virus replication occurs in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and motor nuclei of the brain stem. |
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| − | == Clinical Signs | + | == Clinical Signs == |
| − | Signs in sheep include trembling, torticollis, and irregular gait. In grouse, the disease causes them to die of starvation. In humans, signs are flu- like and can be followed by a coma and rarely death. Usually however, recovery is normal. | + | Signs in sheep include trembling, torticollis, and irregular gait. In grouse, the disease causes them to die of starvation. In humans, signs are flu-like and can be followed by a coma and rarely death. Usually however, recovery is normal. |
| − | |||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
| − | Diagnosis is by presence of clinical signs, plus knowledge of tick | + | Diagnosis is by presence of clinical signs, plus knowledge of tick season. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by virus isolation and histopathology of brain tissue. |
| − | |||
== Control == | == Control == | ||
| − | This can be achieved by dipping sheep in '''acaracides''' to control the vector, the tick. '''Inactivated vaccines''' in late pregnancy can be used to '''boost maternal antibody'''. Lambs are usually | + | This can be achieved by dipping sheep in '''acaracides''' to control the vector, the tick. '''Inactivated [[vaccines]]''' in late pregnancy can be used to '''boost maternal antibody'''. Lambs are usually inoculated when over 4 months of age. A vaccine is available in humans for those at risk of the disease. |
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| − | == References | + | == References == |
| − | Bridger, J and Russell, P (2007) Virology Study Book, Royal Veterinary College | + | Bridger, J and Russell, P (2007) '''Virology Study Book''', ''Royal Veterinary College'' |
| − | Radostits, O.M, Arundel, J.H, and Gay, C.C. (2000) Veterinary Medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses Elsevier Health Sciences | + | Radostits, O.M, Arundel, J.H, and Gay, C.C. (2000) '''Veterinary Medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences'' |
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| − | [[Category:Flaviviruses]] [[Category:Sheep_Viruses]] [[Category:Avian_Viruses]] [[Category:Zoonoses]] [[Category:Rodents]] [[Category: | + | |
| + | [[Category:Flaviviruses]] [[Category:Sheep_Viruses]] [[Category:Avian_Viruses]] [[Category:Zoonoses]] [[Category:Rodents]] [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]] [[Category:Neurological_Diseases_-_Sheep]] | ||
Revision as of 23:21, 27 March 2011
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This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
Introduction
This is a viral disease affecting sheep, grouse, hares, deer, elk, small rodents, ticks and humans; therefore the disease is zoonotic. The reservoir host for this disease is hard ticks (Ixodes ricinus) and this is transmitted to the host by saliva when the tick bites. Therefore, spread mirrors seasonal tick activity.
The virus replicates in macrophages causing pyrexia and then recovery. The second phase of the virus replication occurs in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and motor nuclei of the brain stem.
Clinical Signs
Signs in sheep include trembling, torticollis, and irregular gait. In grouse, the disease causes them to die of starvation. In humans, signs are flu-like and can be followed by a coma and rarely death. Usually however, recovery is normal.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by presence of clinical signs, plus knowledge of tick season. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by virus isolation and histopathology of brain tissue.
Control
This can be achieved by dipping sheep in acaracides to control the vector, the tick. Inactivated vaccines in late pregnancy can be used to boost maternal antibody. Lambs are usually inoculated when over 4 months of age. A vaccine is available in humans for those at risk of the disease.
References
Bridger, J and Russell, P (2007) Virology Study Book, Royal Veterinary College
Radostits, O.M, Arundel, J.H, and Gay, C.C. (2000) Veterinary Medicine: a textbook of the diseases of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses Elsevier Health Sciences