By: Dr. Anjum Jamil, Product Manager – Jawad Impex International
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For the first time in Pakistan, Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus (ENTV) has been detected in small ruminants. This retrovirus, belonging to the family Retroviridae, is known to cause enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma (ENA) in sheep and goats. ENTV is a contagious and progressive disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, leading to tumor development inside the nasal cavity.
Globally, ENTV has been reported from Europe, Africa, China, and India, but this is the first confirmed detection in Pakistan, highlighting the need for increased awareness, diagnosis, and preventive strategies in our small ruminant population.
Clinical Presentation
Animals affected by ENTV typically show:
- Persistent nasal discharge (serous or mucopurulent)
- Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) due to nasal obstruction
- Loud respiratory noises (“snoring” or “stertor”)
- Head shaking, sneezing, and facial deformities in later stages
- Progressive loss of condition despite normal appetite
Unlike bacterial or parasitic diseases, ENTV-induced tumors are non-resolving and ultimately fatal.
Significance for Pakistan
The detection of ENTV in Pakistan is alarming because:
- Sheep and goat farming is a backbone of rural livelihood.
2. ENTV causes economic losses through reduced productivity, weight loss, and mortality.
3. Farmers and veterinarians often misdiagnose it as pneumonia, bacterial rhinitis, or parasitic infections, delaying correct action.
This discovery underlines the importance of diagnostic vigilance, veterinary training, and supportive interventions to safeguard animal health.
Management Challenges
Currently, there is no curative treatment for ENTV. Control depends on:
- Early diagnosis and culling of affected animals
- Improving biosecurity and farm hygiene
- Supporting immunity and respiratory health of the flock
This is where feed additives and nutraceuticals play a vital role.
Role of Innovative Feed Additives in Supportive Care
At Jawad Impex International, we recognize the urgent need for products that enhance immunity, protect gut and respiratory health, and reduce the impact of opportunistic infections in ENTV-positive flocks. Some of our key solutions include:
- Nano Selenium (3%)
- Enhances antioxidant defense and immune response.
- Supports respiratory tissue integrity by reducing oxidative stress.
- Helps improve fertility, growth, and general disease resistance.
Butifour® (Calcium Butyrate with natural additives)
- Strengthens gut health, improving nutrient absorption and resilience.
- A healthy gut means a stronger immune system to cope with viral challenges like ENTV.
Zagrisorb (Mycotoxin Binder with Yeast Cell Wall)
- Protects against immunosuppressive mycotoxins in feed.
- Yeast β-glucans boost immune activity, while MOS improve gut flora balance.
- Reduces secondary risk factors that worsen ENTV progression.
By combining scientific research with practical farm solutions, our products can help farmers reduce losses, strengthen flock immunity, and support overall productivity in the face of new viral threats like ENTV.
Conclusion
The first detection of ENTV in Pakistan is both a challenge and an opportunity. It highlights the hidden viral threats present in our livestock industry, but also opens the door for better diagnostics, management strategies, and use of advanced nutraceuticals.
With a comprehensive approach — including biosecurity, early detection, and innovative feed solutions — we can protect our sheep and goat industry from the devastating impact of this newly identified viral disease.
Jawad Impex International remains committed to supporting veterinarians and farmers with world-class products, ensuring healthier animals and stronger profits for Pakistan’s livestock sector.
References
- De las Heras, M., Ortín, A., Benito, A., Summers, C., Ferrer, L. (2003). Enzootic nasal adenocarcinoma of sheep and goats: characterization of the epithelial cell population in tumors induced by ENTV. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 128(2–3), 137–146.
- Cousens, C., Minguijón, E., Dalziel, R.G., Ortín, A., Sharp, J.M., De las Heras, M. (1999). Complete sequence of enzootic nasal tumor virus, a retrovirus associated with transmissible intranasal tumors of sheep. Journal of Virology, 73(5), 3986–3993.
- Palmarini, M., Sharp, J.M. (2003). Retroviral pathogenesis in sheep and goats. Veterinary Research, 34(6), 639–653.
- Caporale, M., Centorame, P., Giovannini, A., Sacchini, F., Di Ventura, M., De las Heras, M., Palmarini, M. (2006). Infection of lung epithelial cells and induction of pulmonary adenocarcinoma is not a property of all retroviruses. Virology, 346(1), 107–118.
- Jamil, A. (2025). First detection of Enzootic Nasal Tumor Virus (ENTV) in Pakistan: case report and implications for small ruminant health. Pakistan Veterinary Journal (Submitted/Accepted, 2025).