In this volume the contributors chronicle the ancient history of a plague that has ravaged livestock around the world for centuries, and reveal how scientists aim to have eradicated the disease entirely by the year 2010.

The third volume in the Institute of Animal Health (IAH) Biology of Animal Infections Series, Bluetongue discusses one of the most economically important diseases of domesticated livestock. Affecting primarily sheep particularly the improved mutton and wool breeds, it is now endemic in Africa, India, the Middle and Far East, Australia and the Americas, and over the last six years has caused a series of outbreaks throughout the Mediterranean region and central Europe. Bluetongue represent a paradigm not only for the other orbiviruses (such as African horse sickness virus, which shares the same vector species) but also for other insect transmitted diseases, including those of humans. - The only single definitive work that provides both historical and up to date data on the disease - Describes the latest developments in epidemiological modelling, molecular epidemiology and vaccine development, as well as explaining the current global epidemiology of the disease - Outlines the importance and possible mechanisms of overwintering, and the impact of global warming on the vectors and virus distribution

The Geographical Distribution of Animal Viral Diseases attempts to shed some light on the global distribution of 110 different viral diseases, mainly of livestock and companion animals. The world literature was screened for 110 different viruses, and maps were prepared. These maps delineate the global distribution of pathogenic viruses based on authenticated reports from a variety of reliable sources. Four viruses were categorized as affecting more than one species to a significant degree (astrovirus, rabies, rotaviruses, and Rift Valley fever). The largest number of maps involved viruses that affect humans. Of the 28 viruses a large number were from the California encephalitis group. Ten of the 28 viruses were reported only in the Eastern Hemisphere, 14 only in the Western Hemisphere, and four were worldwide. Birds were the next most frequently affected group with the 15 viruses, followed by pigs with 14 viruses. Overall the vector-borne viruses appear to have much sharper and clear-cut geographical boundaries than the others.

This book offers a timely and comprehensive review of essential research on Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV), ranging from its historical distribution, molecular epidemiology, genome structure, viral proteins, immunity, viral pathogenesis, clinical and molecular diagnosis to advances in vaccine developments and future challenges. PPRV, a Rinderpest-like virus, is the causative agent of one of the most rapidly emerging viral diseases among domestic small ruminants, and the host spectrum has now been expanded to wild small ruminants and camels. With the global eradication of the first livestock disease, Rinderpest, attention is now turning to repeating the procedure for PPR. Each of the book’s 13 chapters is dedicated to a specific topic, providing up-to-date literature and discussions by renowned scientists who have made seminal contributions in their respective fields of expertise. Special emphasis has been placed on the analysis of different global efforts to eradicate PPR. This book offers a valuable reference source for virologists, field veterinarians, infection and molecular biologists, immunologists, scientists in related fields and veterinary school libraries.

This book serves as a comprehensive yet concise reference guide reviewing the latest knowledge on bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infectious diseases of old world dromedary camels. Pathogen etiology, clinical manifestations and diagnostic techniques are provided for each pathogen and disease prevention and treatment strategies are discussed. Despite a steady increase in camel husbandry worldwide, the pathologies of camel diseases are still relatively under investigated in comparison to other livestock and companion animals. With an ongoing worldwide prevalence increase, infectious diseases are a constant threat to animal and human health. In recent years dromedary camels have become a focus of increasing public health interest since they have been considered the direct source of zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV to humans. Along these lines, the book covers topics related to zoonotic infections associated with camels. This book offers a valuable source of information for veterinary clinicians, researchers, graduate students, veterinary technicians and interested laymen.