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Small ruminant lentiviruses include viruses with diverse genotypes that frequently cross the species barrier between sheep and goats and that display a great genetic variability. These characteristics stress the need to consider the whole host range and to perform local surveillance of the viruses to opt for optimum diagnostic tests, in order to establish control programmes. In the absence of effective vaccines, a comprehensive knowledge of the epidemiology of these infections is of major importance to limit their spread. This article intends to cover these aspects and to summarise information related to characteristics of the viruses, pathogenesis of the infection and description of the various syndromes produced, as well as the diagnostic tools available, the mechanisms involved in transmission of the pathogens and, finally, the control strategies that have been designed until now, with remarks on the drawbacks and the advantages of each one. We conclude that there are many variables influencing the expected cost and benefits of control programs that must be evaluated, in order to put into practice measures that might lead to control of these infections., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Simple Summary: Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are responsible for a disease complex that includes a variety of clinical forms with a large degree of severity. The virus is highly variable, and 5 genotypes with 34 subgenotypes have been described so far. However, the application of different protocols for genotyping generated contradictory results with potential misclassification of some strains and/or identification of redundant new subgenotypes. To the best of our knowledge, no systematic review on the molecular characterization of SRLVs in sheep and goats is available. The present systematic review aims to provide an updated, in-depth, comprehensive overview of the phylogenesis of SRLVs. The systematic review was developed according to the PRISMA-P statement. Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are responsible for chronic and progressive multisystemic clinical forms, which significantly reduce flocks' productivity and have a considerable economic impact on the small ruminant industry. Due to the increase in genetic analysis studies and the potential for misclassification of certain strains, owing to the high genetic variability of these viruses, a systematic review was deemed necessary. This review explores the types of matrices used for molecular detection and phylogenetic studies, the genomic regions selected as targets, and the software utilized for phylogenetic analysis, assessing the geographical distribution of identified genotypes and subgenotypes over time. A thorough comparison of the diagnostic approaches highlights the strengths and limitations of each method, identifying gaps that need to be addressed. Additionally, recombination events and compartmentalization are examined to provide an updated, detailed, and comprehensive overview of SRLV phylogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Visna-maedi is a notifiable disease in Norway, and eliminating the disease is a national goal. The import of sheep into Norway is very limited, and strict regulations apply to the movement of small ruminants between flocks and within defined geographical regions. Several outbreaks have occurred in the last 50 years, and the most recent before 2019 occurred in Trøndelag county in Central Norway in 2002. A national surveillance programme for small ruminant lentivirus infection exists since 2003. Results: In 2019, the national surveillance programme detected seropositive animals for small ruminant lentivirus in a sheep flock in Trøndelag. Based on the result of polymerase chain reaction analysis and histopathological findings, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority concluded the diagnosis of maedi. Further investigations detected maedi in eight additional sheep flocks in the same county. The flocks were placed under restrictions, and the authorities also imposed restrictions on 82 contact flocks. Sequencing of partial gag genes indicated that the virus in the current outbreak was related to the small ruminant lentivirus detected in the same area between 2002 and 2005. Conclusions: The outbreak investigation shows the need for sensitive and specific diagnostic methods, and an improved and more targeted surveillance strategy. It also demonstrates the risk of disease spreading between flocks through animal movements, and highlights the importance of biosecurity and structured livestock trade. In addition to allowing livestock trade only from flocks documented free from maedi, it may be necessary to monitor sheep flocks over many years, when aiming to eliminate maedi from the Norwegian sheep population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Aim: Brucellosis, paratuberculosis (PTb), and infections caused by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), formerly known as caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV), adversely affect goat production systems. Nonetheless, commonly used diagnostic tests can only determine one analyte at a time, increasing disease surveillance costs, and limiting their routine use. This study aimed to design and validate a multiplex assay for antibody detection against these three diseases simultaneously. Materials and Methods: Two recombinant proteins from the SRLV (p16 and gp38), the native hapten of Brucella melitensis, and the paratuberculosis-protoplasmic antigen 3 from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) were used to devise and assess a multiplex assay. Conditions for the Luminex® multiplex test were established and validated by sensitivity, specificity, repeatability, and reproducibility parameters. Cut-off points for each antigen were also established. Results: The 3-plex assay had high sensitivity (84%) and specificity (95%). The maximum coefficients of variation were 23.8% and 20.5% for negative and positive control samples, respectively. The p16 and gp38 SRLV antigens are 97% and 95%, similar to the CAEV sequence found in GenBank, respectively. Conclusion: The multiplex test can be effectively used for the simultaneous detection of antibodies against SRLV, MAP and B. melitensis in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies revealed that the small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) population in Poland is highly heterogeneous. All SRLVs detected from Polish sheep and goats so far have belonged to subtypes B1, B2, A1, A5, A12, A13, A16, A17, A18, A23 and A24. However, all characterized strains originated from asymptomatic animals. This is the first study that characterizes the molecular properties of SRLVs isolated from different organs of six arthritic goats. Segments from three genomic regions (gag, LTR and env) were analyzed. In addition, we quantified the SRLV proviral load in the blood and different organs and examined its association with different degrees of histopathological lesions. All sequences obtained from the goats involved in this study were homogeneous, showing an average degree of variability of 4.8%, 3.7% and 8.8% for gag, LTR and env, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences from the analyzed goats were clustered within SRLVs group A and formed a new subtype within this group, tentatively named A27. The histopathological examination of the lung, mammary gland, synovial membranes of joints and brain of the analyzed goats revealed evidence of inflammatory processes associated with SRLV infection, which was confirmed by positive immunohistochemistry assays. No significant correlation was observed between histological features and alterations in the sequences from different tissues. No tissue-specific signature pattern was identified. It was shown that animals with a higher proviral load showed more lesion severity in various SRLV-affected tissues, indicating a positive association between these two parameters. Our results also revealed differences in the SRLV load between animals even though the sequences derived from all of the goats were closely related, suggesting that host factors may restrict and control viral replication. This study provides new information about SRLV variants isolated from arthritic goats; however, more studies, including the isolation and characterization of biological properties of these viruses, should be performed to evaluate their pathogenic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

According to the current classification small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) includes the lentivirus species that infect goats and that were previously known as caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) and the Maedi/Visna virus (MVV) infects sheep. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the gag and env gene, it has been observed that this virus has five genogroups assigned with letters A to E. In genotype A, 18 subtypes (A1 to A18) and B, four subtypes (B1 to B4) have been included. Genotype E is divided into subtype E1 and E2, they have been identified exclusively in goats located in Italy. In Mexico genotypes A and B circulate naturally in sheep and goats. Currently, the factors related to the national situation that favor the presence of the virus in the production units are not known, so the objective of this study is to identify the presence of SRLV in different types of production units and determine which are the factors that favor their presence in sheep and goats of different types of production units. Thirteen sheep with goat coexistence production units (mixed) were selected, 4 units of goat production and 19 of sheep were selected. We make a serological diagnosis and work with an end point polymerase chain reaction (PCRpf) test for molecular diagnosis. In the positive samples we identification genogroup A and B with a real-time PCR test. The results demonstrate in the mixed production both genotypes circulate, in the sheep production circulate genotype A and in goat production B. The association between the signs and the frequency of infection, a significant effect of the positivity rate with respiratory signs in sheep and with mastitis and arthritis in goat. With these results we demonstrate that it is extremely important to implement biosafety strategies as part of the preventive medicine programs in the sheep and goat production in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infected animals is crucial to obtain success through eradication, control and monitoring programs worldwide. Several authors have demonstrated that serology alone is not sufficient to detect SRLV infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is suggested as the choice test to identify seronegative infected animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare degenerate primer pairs in order to detect a great number of virus variants by a seminested PCR. Based on already described primers and the alignment of gag nucleotide sequences from databases, degenerate primers were designed. Increasing the degree of degeneracy has improved the detection of the provirus in ovine and caprine genomic DNA samples. The number of positive PCR samples was twice higher when using the more degenerate primers in the established experimental conditions. Thus, we propose the use of this seminested PCR as a diagnostic tool, in combination with serology, especially in the situations where the circulating virus variants are unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the clinicopathologic features of an arthritis outbreak in sheep induced by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), linked to the presence of a new SRLV isolate phylogenetically assigned to caprine arthritis encephalitis virus–like subgroup B2. Thirteen SRLV seropositive Rasa Aragonesa adult ewes were selected from 5 SRLV highly infected flocks (mean seroprevalence, 90.7%) for presenting uni- or bilateral chronic arthritis in the carpal joint. A complete study was performed, including symptomatology, histopathology, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and microbiology. The carpus was the joint almost exclusively affected, with 10 sheep (76%) showing a moderate increase in carpal joint size (diameter range, 18–20 cm; normal range, 15–16 cm) without signs of locomotion problems and with 3 ewes (23%) showing severe inflammation with marked increase in diameter (21–24 cm), pain at palpation, and abnormal standing position. Grossly, chronic proliferative arthritis was observed in affected joints characterized by an increased thickness of the synovial capsule and synovial membrane proliferation. Microscopically, synovial membrane inflammation and proliferation and hyperplasia of synoviocytes were observed. More positive cases of SLRV infection were detected by immunocytochemistry of articular fluid than of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization also detected positive cells in the subsynovial connective tissue, lung, mediastinal lymph node, mammary gland, and mammary lymph node. All animals were negative for the presence of Mycoplasma or other bacteria in the articular space. The present outbreak likely represents an adaptation of a caprine virus to sheep. Our results underline the importance of the arthritis induced by SRLV in sheep, a clinical form that might be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Live attenuated vaccines provide the most consistent protective immunity in experimental models of lentivirus infections. In this study we tested the hypothesis that animals infected with a naturally attenuated small ruminant lentivirus field strain of genotype E may control a challenge infection with a virulent strain of the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV-CO). Within genotype E, Roccaverano strain has been described as attenuated since decreased arthritic pathological indexes were recorded in Roccaverano-infected animals compared to animals of the same breed infected with genotype B strains. Moreover, under natural conditions, animals double-infected with genotypes B and E appear less prone to develop SRLV-related disease, leading to a putative protective role of Roccaverano strain. Here we present evidence that goats experimentally infected with the avirulent genotype E SRLV-Roccaverano strain control the proviral load of a pathogenic challenge virus (CAEV-CO strain) more efficiently than naïve animals and appear to limit the spread of histological lesions to the contralateral joints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three field isolates of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) were derived from a mixed flock of goats and sheep certified for many years as free of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV). The phylogenetic analysis of pol sequences permitted to classify these isolates as A4 subtype. None of the animals showed clinical signs of SRLV infection, confirming previous observations which had suggested that this particular subtype is highly attenuated, at least for goats. A quantitative real time PCR strategy based on primers and probes derived from a highly variable env region permitted us to classify the animals as uninfected, singly or doubly infected. The performance of different serological tools based on this classification revealed their profound inadequacy in monitoring animals infected with this particular SRLV subtype. In vitro, the isolates showed differences in their cytopathicity and a tendency to replicate more efficiently in goat than sheep cells, especially in goat macrophages. By contrast, in vivo, these viruses reached significantly higher viral loads in sheep than in goats. Both env subtypes infected goats and sheep with equal efficiency. One of these, however, reached significantly higher viral loads in both species. In conclusion, we characterized three isolates of the SRLV subtype A4 that efficiently circulate in a mixed herd of goats and sheep in spite of their apparent attenuation and a strict physical separation between goats and sheep. The poor performance of the serological tools applied indicates that, to support an SRLV eradication campaign, it is imperative to develop novel, subtype specific tools. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Small Ruminant Lentivirus is transmitted vertically by ingestion of contaminated milk/colostrum and horizontally by the respiratory route through close contact with infected animals. In order to detect presence of virus in a shed environment, we sampled and tested drinking water, pen air and air exhaled from infected sheep in both commercial flocks and groups of culled sheep. Nucleic acids were extracted and analysed by retrotranscription, Pol PCR amplification and sequencing. Virus sequences were detected in 9% and 11% of samples of water and air, respectively, collected from pens, and in 35% of sheep whose expelled air was tested. Our results are in concordance with previous evidences of air and waterborne transmission of the infection and might have implications for the design of control strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A compulsory control program to control-eradicate Brucella infections was initiated 1985 in the Basque Country in Northern Spain. The program included both Brucella melitensis infection (ovine/caprine brucellosis), which were later included in a national plan, and Brucella ovis infection (ovine epididymitis), which was promoted by the local animal health authorities. Prevalences of these infections in small ruminant farms at that time were 10% and 60% of flocks, respectively. Since then, the flocks/herds have been tested annually and animals found to be infected by means of the tests employed were slaughtered. At the same time, a voluntary Small Ruminant Lentivirus infection control program also started in some sheep flocks of the region. Currently, prevalences of brucellosis have dropped to 0% for B. melitensis infection and <0.1% for B. ovis. This implies an overall rate reduction of 100% and 99.9%, respectively. The results for Small Ruminant Lentivirus infection have not been so good and only three of the eight flocks into the scheme have reached eradication. Good results have been obtained by local and national animal health authorities and farmers during the past 25 years for brucelosis control. Use of simple serological testing and culling has allowed reduction-eradication of the infection. Once advanced control is reached, an economic balance will be necessary, in order to optimize best use of resources, including allocating them to control other small ruminant problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lactogenic transmission plays an important role in the biology of lentiviruses such as HIV and SIV or the small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV). In this work we analyzed the characteristics of viruses that goats, naturally infected with two strains of SRLV, transmitted to their kids. The spectrum of viral genotypes transmitted was broader and the efficiency of transmission greater compared to their human and simian counterparts. The newly described A10 subgroup of SRLV was more efficiently transmitted than the B1 genotype. The analysis of a particular stretch of the envelope glycoprotein encompassing a potential neutralizing epitope revealed that, as in SIV, the transmitted viruses were positively charged in this region, but, in contrast to SIV, they tended to lack a glycosylation site that might protect against antibody neutralization. We conclude that the physiology of the ruminant neonatal intestine, which permits the adsorption of infected maternal cells, shaped the evolution of these particular lentiviruses that represent a valid model of lactogenic lentivirus transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the role of serologic diagnostic tests in reducing small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections. Factors affecting the performance of the serologic and molecular diagnostic tests include the format of the assay and the percentage of identity between the viral nucleotide sequences in a flock of a certain geographic region. It was concluded that small ruminant genomics may contribute to the establishment of genetic markers of SRLV infection and disease.

Abstract: Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) belonging to the highly divergent genotype E has recently been identified in the Italian goat breed Roccaverano. In this report we have developed a specific serological test based on recombinant matrix/capsid antigen fusion protein. Performance has been evaluated and compared with a similar test based on genotype B antigen. Herds under study were selected according to the infectious status characterized by blood PCR and sequencing. Results clearly showed that B and E based recombinant ELISA only detected homologous infection and an apparent cross-reactivity was recorded in a herd in which co-infection was present. Three commercially available ELISAs showed different abilities in detecting genotype E infection, being the whole virus-based immunoassay the best choice. Genotype E-recombinant antigen was not detected in ELISA by three commercially available Mabs known to be cross-reactive among CAEV and MVV capsid antigens, further supporting the high divergence of the E genotype from others. Finally, a SRLV-free herd according to commercial ELISA testing, was analysed in the same area where genotype E was identified and few animals belonging to Roccaverano breed were found slightly reactive with the E antigens. Our results suggest that the prevalence of genotype E in other small ruminant populations may be conveniently estimated using a comparative assay based on a combination of genotype specific recombinant antigens and may highlight a wider space in which SRLVs evolve. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To be able to predict sexual transmissibility of small ruminant lenti viruses (SRLV), it is necessary to know whether or not the virus is excreted in the semen, and under what circumstances. Thus, this research focussed on establishing the presence of proviral DNA of SRLV in semen and in the male genital tract of small ruminants. After initial results established the presence of SRLV in serum, the emergence of proviral DNA of SRLV in semen and presence in blood in a group of naturally SRLV-infected individuals (13 rams and 4 bucks), was followed temporally using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The same animals were also systematically serologically monitored by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) during the breeding season (August–February). A triple monocyte–macrophage count was performed on both blood and semen using a specific monoclonal antibody in conjunction with flow cytometry. The finding that epididymal semen and tissue samples of the testes, epididymides, ampullary, vesicular, prostate and bulbo-urethral glands all tested positive for the presence of proviral DNA indicates that various male sexual organs may contribute directly to shedding of proviral SRLV DNA in ejaculated semen. Our results suggest that small ruminants show intermittent shedding of proviral SRLV DNA into epididymal as well as ejaculated semen. They also demonstrate that a single PCR-negative semen sample cannot be used as a diagnostic tool to predict that subsequent ejaculates will be SRLV-free. No significant relationship was found between numbers of monocytes and/or macrophages in blood or semen and the detection of proviral SRLV in ejaculates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs), i.e., CAEV and MVV, cause insidious infections with life-long persistence and a slowly progressive disease, impairing both animal welfare and productivity in affected herds. The complex diagnosis of SRLVs currently combines serological methods including whole-virus and peptide-based ELISAs and Immunoblot. To improve the current diagnostic protocol, we analyzed 290 sera of animals originating from different European countries in parallel with three commercial screening ELISAs, Immunoblot as a confirmatory assay and five SU5 peptide ELISAs for genotype differentiation. A newly developed nested real-time PCR was carried out for the detection and genotype differentiation of the virus. Using a heat-map display of the combined results, the drawbacks of the current techniques were graphically visualized and quantified. The immunoblot and the SU5-ELISAs exhibited either unsatisfactory sensitivity or insufficient reliability in the differentiation of the causative viral genotype, respectively. The new truth standard was the concordance of the results of two out of three screening ELISAs and the PCR results for serologically false negative samples along with genotype differentiation. Whole-virus antigen-based ELISA showed the highest sensitivity (92.2%) and specificity (98.9%) among the screening tests, whereas PCR exhibited a sensitivity of 75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The prevalence (PCR) and seroprevalence (ELISA) of SRLV in the goats analyzed ranged between 19 % and 11 %, respectively. • The SRLV identified in this study corresponds to the B1 genotype. • The infection with the Mexican SRLV strain did not show serious lesions or signs in the short period evaluated in kids. Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are one of the main viral agents affecting goats worldwide. They cause a systemic, chronic, incurable, degenerative disease. In Mexico, the B1 genotype of SRLV has been detected as endemic in goats and sheep; however, its pathological characteristics have not yet been evaluated. In this study, sampling was performed to identify the percentage of SRLV positivity in different farms in Mexico. Prevalence rates of 19.6 % and 11.6 % were detected through PCR and serology, respectively. Through a real-time PCR differential test, the prevalence of genotype B was identified. From a chosen case, an SRLV strain was isolated (which was called SRLV/B1/Goat/Mx/INIFAP-1/2013). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strain SRLV/B1/Goat/Mx/INIFAP-1/2013 shares a great homology with an American and Asiatic strains of the B1 genotype. Virulence of the isolated strain was analyzed during an experimental infection in kids. The kids did not present clinical disease after the experimental infection. The high viral load values persisted throughout the entire experiment (90 days), and no seroconversion was detected. At necropsy, macroscopic alterations were not observed, except in the lungs. The microscopic lesions in the respiratory tract consisted of moderate interstitial pneumonia, peribronchial lymphoid hyperplasia, and bronchial exudate. In the central nervous system, moderate gliosis, meningeal congestion, lymphocyte infiltration, satellitosis, and demyelination were observed. The virus was systemically distributed among organs; the cerebellum and carpal synovial fluid samples were those with the highest viral load, 5.73 copies of virus per ng of total DNA (log 10) and 5.07 log 10 , respectively. In this study, we identified a strain with high homology to Asiatic strains that manifested low virulence in kids during short infection. Understanding the strains that circulate in the goat population will allow implementing better diagnostic methodologies to propose disease control alternatives for this emerging animal production system in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sheep are affected by a viral infection that causes an incurable and difficult to treat lung, joint and brain disease that decreases production efficiency. This small ruminant lentivirus is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS in humans. Differences in breed susceptibility to disease are known in sheep that indicate genetic, or hereditary, resilience factors exist. Our objective was to study the source of this hereditary advantage so that it can eventually be translated into a tool for sheep breeders to improve herd health. Previously, one such hereditary region was detected, but little was known about possible mechanisms or nearby mutations. Here, we report several mutations that may underlie this hereditary mechanism and are in regions of DNA that are known to affect genes by increasing or decreasing gene expression, akin to gene "on/off switches." These mutations were strongly associated with a predictor of disease severity in live animals and had a greater predicted effect on the degree of disease than previously studied mutations. Statistical association (p < 0.05) of disease was demonstrated in two different groups of sheep that were reared in different environments, which indicates increased likelihood that a genetic factor is producing this effect. Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) causes Maedi-Visna or Ovine Progressive Pneumonia in sheep and creates insidious livestock production losses. This retrovirus is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus and currently has no vaccines or cure. Genetic marker assisted selection for sheep disease resiliency presents an attractive management solution. Previously, we identified a region containing a cluster of zinc finger genes that had association with ovine SRLV proviral concentration. Trait-association analysis validated a small insertion/deletion variant near ZNF389 (rs397514112) in multiple sheep breeds. In the current study, 543 sheep from two distinct populations were genotyped at 34 additional variants for fine mapping of the regulatory elements within this locus. Variants were selected based on ChIP-seq annotation data from sheep alveolar macrophages that defined active cis-regulatory elements predicted to influence zinc finger gene expression. We present a haplotype block of variants within regulatory elements that have improved associations and larger effect sizes (up to 4.7-fold genotypic difference in proviral concentration) than the previously validated ZNF389 deletion marker. Hypotheses for the underlying causal mutation or mutations are presented based on changes to in silico transcription factor binding sites. These variants offer alternative markers for selective breeding and are targets for future functional mutation assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Caprine arthritis encephalitis, caused by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), is a disease that develops with various signs in adult goats, e.g., arthritis, mastitis, and progressive weight loss, while in goat kids, the disease presents with only neuropathy and extremely rarely. The disease results in reduced milk production and economic losses in herds of goats. Previously described changes in single gene expression do not fully explain all the processes occurring in the infected goats. Therefore, the present study describes the first use of a transcriptomic array designed specifically for goats in Poland. Its aim was to investigate the gene expression profiles of peripheral blood nuclear cells from SRLV-seropositive and SRLV-seronegative goats using a custom-made Capra hircus gene expression array. Just four genes out of ~50,000 were found to have differential expression; moreover, changes in their expression suggest an active inflammatory mechanism in SRLV-seropositive goats at the early stage of SRLV infection. The immune response to a viral antigen causes inflammatory cell infiltration to the tissue, which creates a suitable environment for the replication of the virus in macrophages, and the recruitment of more monocytes to the site of infection, or latently infected monocytes. The aim of the study was to analyze the transcriptomic profile of peripheral blood nuclear cells isolated from SRLV-seropositive and SRLV-negative goats at the peak of their first lactation. SRLV-seropositive goats were probably infected via colostrum. Custom transcriptomic microarrays for goats were designed and developed, namely the Capra hircus gene expression array, which features ~50,000 unique transcripts per microarray. Only four genes were differentially expressed, with up-regulated expression of the GIMAP2, SSC5D and SETX genes, and down-regulated expression of the GPR37 gene in SRLV-seropositive vs. SRLV-seronegative goats. However, in an RT-qPCR analysis, the result for the SETX gene was not confirmed. The differences in the expressions of the studied genes indicate an active inflammatory process in the SRLV-seropositive goats at the early stage of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]