Pestivirus infections in kids of wild goats (Capra hircus aegagrus)

Abstract

Five stray wild goat kids (1.5-6 months old) found in forestland by Antalya Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks within different periods were brought to Antalya Zoo for feeding and care. The kids were dead after a short time of their arrival to the zoo. The dead animals were examined within the same day of their arrival to the lab. During the viral examination, presence of pestivirus antigen (Ag) was detected in blood samples, brain and liver of months old kid, brain and spleen of two animals viz. six months and two months old. All tissue samples were also studied for Bluetongue virus (BTV) Ag by Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) but the samples were found to be negative. While two animals of six and two months old showed Pestivirus infection according to their clinical symptoms, virological and pathological results.