Goatpox virus (GTPV)

Goatpox virus (GTPV) is a highly infectious double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus within the family Poxviridae (Tulman et al., 2002). It is the causative agent of goatpox, a severe systemic disease in goats characterized by high fever, generalized maculopapular skin lesions, and significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in young or naive animals (World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH], 2023). While GTPV is a complex pathogen rather than a single molecular target, its lifecycle depends on specific viral proteins such as the DNA polymerase and structural proteins like P32, which are essential for replication and host cell entry (Babiuk et al., 2008). Management of the virus primarily involves the use of live attenuated vaccines to stimulate protective humoral and cellular immunity (Bhanuprakash et al., 2006). Although no specific antiviral drugs are currently approved for routine veterinary use against GTPV, research into poxvirus inhibitors like cidofovir has demonstrated potential efficacy by targeting the viral DNA synthesis machinery.

Other names

Goat pox virusCapripoxvirus ovisGTPV

Vaccines induce active immunity by presenting viral antigens to the host immune system; Cidofovir acts as a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral DNA polymerase activity.