Viral enteritis in domestic animals

Abstract

Viral enteritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal domestic animals, but the most significant pathogens responsible vary considerably between animal species. The viral pathogens currently recognised as significant concerns in animal health were all identified over 20 years ago, and there has been limited recent investigation of the aetiology of viral enteritis in domestic animals using newer pathogen discovery techniques. While effective vaccines are available to control some of these enteric pathogens in some animal species, comprehensive and specific control measures for viral enteritis are lacking in most domestic species. Further research is needed to identify all the major viral pathogens responsible and to develop vaccines to facilitate more effective control.