Sero-surveillance for orf antibodies in sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia employing the ELISA technique

A serological survey was conducted on sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia to detect humoral antibodies against the orf virus. The ELISA technique was superior to the AGID and CFT in detecting such antibodies. Of the 239 abattoir serum samples examined, 60 per cent had orf antibodies by ELISA while 94·8 per cent of the convalescent sera had antibodies detectable by ELISA. With the lack of vaccination and the reports that the clinical disease is commonly seen in different parts of the Kingdom, it may be that orf is becoming enzootic in this country. Recommendations for implementing a satisfactory vaccination regimen are given.