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Study on the Role of the Common House Fly, <i>Musca domestica</i>, in the Spread of ORF Virus (Poxviridae) DNA under Laboratory Conditions
oleh: Donato Antonio Raele, John G. Stoffolano, Jr., Ilaria Vasco, Germana Pennuzzi, Maria Concetta Nardella La Porta, Maria Assunta Cafiero
| Format: | Article |
|---|---|
| Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2021-10-01 |
Deskripsi
ORF virus (Poxviridae) is the causative agent of contagious ecthyma (soremouth), a disease primarily affecting sheep and goats worldwide, but also humans exposed to disease-ridden animals. Pathogens are shed with scabs, and infection mainly occurs by direct contact. Although the disease is relatively benign and self-limiting, the morbidity rate is high in livestock with subsequent significant financial and economic impact. The aim of the study was to experimentally investigate the potential for the housefly, <i>Musca domestica</i>, to act as a mechanical vector of the virus. Homogenate of crusted scabs from ORFV-positive sheep (Italy, Apulia) were used to infect laboratory-reared flies. Flies walking on viral mixture and flies inoculated on their wings were individually placed in Falcon tubes and the ORFV DNA was searched by PCR on tube walls; flies were fed on the same homogenized crusts and their crop and spots (vomit and feces) molecularly examined for ORF DNA at 2, 4, and 6 h. All of the flies (100%) used in the experiments were able to pick up and transmit the viral genome to contact surfaces; 60% were found ORF virus (DNA)-positive in both spots and crop. These results suggest that <i>M. domestica</i> could play a role as potential mechanical vector and/or reservoir in the epidemiology of the ORF virus infection. Thus, house fly management should be considered in the measures to control the disease in ovine–caprine farms.