Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) is a betaretrovirus which is the causative agent of a contagious lung cancer in sheep, called ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. JSRV is the virus that is the cause of the contagious lung tumors in sheep called ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA). The disease has also been called "jaagsiekte", after the Afrikaans words for "chase" ("jaag") and "sickness" ("siekte"), to describe the respiratory distress observed in an animal out of breath from being chased, indicating the breathing difficulty experienced by infected sheep. Transmission of virus is through aerosol spread between sheep. The exogenous infectious form of
Ovine rinderpest detected in acute cases from various swabs and blood samples, using PCR and ELISA. Antibodies can also be detected by ELISA. Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, penicillin, and streptomycin can be used and supportive treatment may be helpful. Additionally, a vaccine has been developed that may decrease death in the flock. Movement restrictions and slaughter of affected flocks may be required in an attempt to eradicate the disease. A global eradication programme has been developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organisation for Animal Health. More information can be found on FAO's website on