Small ruminant lentiviruses in dairy goats under tropical conditions: evidence of recombinant genotypes.

Abstract

Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLVs) are widespread retroviruses of goats and sheep with significant economic and health impacts on small ruminant production systems. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of SRLVs in dairy goat flocks from Brazil. A total of 433 blood samples from eight dairy goat farms were analyzed via PCR targeting the gag gene. The overall SRLV prevalence was 32.6%, with marked variation between farms (7.1% to 90.0%). Phylogenetic analysis of 37 selected samples revealed that most sequences clustered within the B1 subtype. Notably, two sequences from farms C and G grouped with subtype A1 and showed evidence of recombination between B1 and A1 strains. These findings provide evidence of recombinant SRLV strains circulating in Brazilian goats. The findings highlight the circulation of distinct and recombinant SRLV strains in the region, reinforcing the importance of continuous molecular surveillance, improved biosecurity practices, and the development of effective control strategies to reduce viral dissemination and mitigate long-term impacts on small ruminant farming.