Some virus diseases of domestic animals in the Sultanate of Oman.

Little is known of the occurrence of animal virus diseases in the Sultanate of Oman. This paper reports the results of a countrywide survey carried out in 1978 to establish the prevalence of some important viral pathogens of domestic animals with the dual purpose of providing baselines for future investigations and guidelines for those entrusted with disease control. Foot-and-mouth disease virus type O, previously identified in Oman in 1976, was isolated from clinically affected animals. In addition, virus types A and Asia 1 were isolated from unaffected animals. Serological studies indicated that infection with all 3 types had been widespread. The presence of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis was confirmed by virus isolations and sheep and goat pox, long recognised in Oman, was confirmed by the demonstration of pox particles in dried lesion material. In serological studies antibodies were found to the viruses of peste des petits ruminants, bovine herpes mammillitis, bovine virus diarrhoea, parainfluenza 3 and African horse sickness. There were no significant antibody levels to rinderpest in unvaccinated animals and no antibody to equine infectious anaemia or vesicular stomatitis viruses.