Enzootic intranasal tumour of goats in Italy

Abstract

An outbreak of enzootic intranasal tumour (EIT) in a goat herd in Central Italy is described. From October 1990 to September 1992 41 tumors were diagnosed in goats ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years and of both the Alpine and Saanen breeds. Clinically the affected goats showed nasal discharge, facial swelling, sneezing and snoring respiration and weight loss. Post-mortem examinations revealed uni- or bilateral tumours of the olfactory mucous membrane. The neoplasms were classified as low grade adenocarcinomas. Ultrastructurally, retrovirus-like particles were observed in 10/10 tumours examined. Epidemiological and ultrastructural findings strongly suggest a viral aetiology for intranasal enzootic adenocarcinoma in the goats examined.