Preliminary observations on the presence of visna-maedi in Italy.

摘要: The presence of visna-maedi in Italy is reported for the first time. History, clinical findings and gross microscopic lesions typical disease were observed two sheep flocks Central Italy. Affected animals afebrile, lacked energy, lost condition had progressively worsening dyspnoea which ended fatally. A few showed locomotor disturbances but remained alert. Anaemia leukopenia present. lungs affected with fleshy consolidation. Histologically, pulmonary included bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia, peribronchiolar lymphoid cuffing, alveolar epithelialization very marked interstitial changes. In agar gel diffusion tests on sera from 106 flocks, 44 positive. Furthermore, when same test was conducted as a preliminary screening procedure 682 randomly chosen 94 five Regions, 93 positive revealed 39 involving all Regions. infection likely to be widespread constitute problem at least some or areas.