Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is an endemic infection, responsible for economic losses in beef and dairy herds worldwide. This comprehensive study aims to dissect the circulation dynamics of the BVDV in dairy cattle, while identifying risk factors and persistently infected (PI) carrier animals, particularly during the infection of seronegative pregnant females. For that, 60 serum samples were collected from animals from seven farms and all the aspects relating to age, sex, productive system, parity, history of abortions, breeding type, diarrhea, stillbirths, and hygienic conditions were considered. An ELISA Antibody Competition Kit was used to evaluate the seroprevalence. Data showed that the BVDV was present within the studied farms, exhibiting an overall prevalence of 32%. For those boasting highly hygienic conditions, the seroprevalence was estimated at 20% with CI at 95% [2.5-37.5, p=0.170] whereas in less hygiene conditions, the seroprevalence was estimated at 37.5% with CI at 95% [22.5-52.5]. Age emerged as a crucial risk factor. Young cattle aged 6 to 12 months were found to be seronegative, exposing them to an elevated risk of becoming PI, which poses a significant threat to the sustainability of the herds. Conversely, animals aged 2 to 4 years (72%) and those aged 4 to 6 years (73%) demonstrated notable seropositivity, while those over 6 years (71%) returned to seronegative status, highlighting a complex immunity dynamic. Moreover, a concerning 82% of primiparous females were seronegative, thus exposing their offspring to a heightened risk of persistent infection. Regardless of the farming type, BVDV circulation was consistently observed, with prevalence rates of 31% and 32% respectively. The circulation of BVDV is confirmed and the risk of contamination is present since no vaccine is used, thus a high likelihood of infection among herds exists.