Through our IRTA-CReSA center (Centre for Research in Animal Health), we have activated a scientific committee to strengthen surveillance and research on contagious nodular dermatosis (DNC), following the confirmation of two positive cases in the province of Girona. The function of this committee is to advise, recommend and support the Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca i Alimentació at the scientific level in the episode of DNC. The aim is to contribute to the control and containment of this viral disease affecting cattle.
DNC is a disease caused by a capripoxvirus, similar to sheeppox and caprine viruses, which exclusively affects cattle and buffalo. It is transmitted mainly by insect bites and causes nodular skin lesions, fever and decreased milk and meat production. However, it poses no risk to human health, either by contact with infected animals or by consuming meat, milk or derivatives.
The IRTA-CReSA teams have moved to the territory to collect samples of the detected foci in order to carry out the isolation and sequencing of the virus. This analysis will allow to determine its origin and improve epidemiological surveillance strategies.
As Enric Vidal, researcher of the IRTA-CReSA Animal Health program, points out: “the important thing is to be able to isolate the strain of this virus and try to determine its sequence, its genome, to be able to compare it with that of other outbreaks in other areas and to be able to discover how it has been the transmission to Catalonia,” explained the researcher.
In parallel, a scientific committee on contagious nodular dermatosis has been created, at the request of the DARPA, which is formed by researchers and technicians from IRTA-CReSA and the UAB specialized in pathological anatomy and veterinary epidemiology. Its members include Mariano Domingo, Natàlia Majó, Enric Vidal, Cristina Lorca, Carles Vilalta, Alberto Allepuz, Lola Pailler and Francisco Domenes. In addition, the committee has the specific support of expert researchers from France and Italy, the countries where cases of CND had already been detected, so that they can share their experience in the disease, and is open to other collaborations whenever necessary.
This committee has the function of advising, recommending and providing technical and scientific support to the Department in everything related to the management of the DNC. He is currently working in two main areas. The first is the collection and analysis of samples and the genetic characterisation of the virus.
The second is the evaluation of the vaccination plan proposed by the DARPA in order to reach its criteria. Mass vaccination of livestock will be key to containing the spread of the disease.
“The appearance of the DNC in Catalonia reminds us of the importance of having prepared research and an active surveillance network. Scientific knowledge is essential to protect animal health and the sustainability of farms”, says Vidal.
IRTA highlights the importance of combining scientific research, health surveillance and cooperation with the livestock sector to ensure a rapid and effective response to emerging diseases.
