Phylogenetic analysis of Chinese sheeppox and goatpox virus isolates

Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that there was a close relationship among SPPV/GanS/2/2011/China, SPPV/GanS/1/2011/China and SPPV/NingX/2009/China. They were clustered on the same SPPV clade. GTPV/HuB/2009/China and GS-V1 belonged to the GTPV lineage. GS-V1 was closely related to other GTPV vaccine strains. GTPV/HuB/2009/China and GS-V1 were clustered with GTPVs from China and some southern Asian countries.This study may expand the datum for spread trend research of Chinese SPPVs and GTPVs, meanwhile provide theoretical references to improve the preventive and control strategy.Sheeppox virus (SPPV), goatpox virus (GTPV) and lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) comprising Genus Capripoxvirus of the Family Poxviridae are important aetiological agents to ruminants. They cause sheep pox, goat pox and lumpy skin disease of cattle respectively, which are well-known economically significant animal diseases. Sheep pox and goat pox, classified as notifiable animal diseases by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), are mainly endemic in central and northern Africa, the Middle East, Indian sub-continent, central Asia and parts of P. R. China [1]. In contrast, the endemic geographic range of lumpy skin disease is currently limited to Africa, with sporadic outbreaks occurring in the Middle East [2,3].Sheep pox and goat pox are characterized by pyrexia, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, excessive salivation and generalized pock lesions in the skin. They may cause the significant damage to wool and hides (can affect as much as 50% of the skin surface) and the production loss of mutton and milk [2]. Furthermore, sheep pox and goat pox may be associated with very high morbidity and mortality rate except indigenous animals. The mortality rate in young animals can exceed 50%. However, in na？ve animals, morbidity and mortality can even approach to 100% [4]. As for host preference, it was once a common belief that SPPV only infected sheep while GTPV only infected goats. But now, m