A Serological Survey and Risk Factors of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Goats in Different Locations in Al-Najaf, Iraq

Abstract

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the most common causes of respiratory illness in goats globally, resulting in major financial losses. The goal of this Survey was to determine the incidence of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus in Al-Najaf goats and the risk factors for this disease. Between December 2021 and November 2022 For this study, 200 goats of various ages and breeds from Al Kufa, Qadisiyia, Hayderia, and Abbasyia in Al-Najaf, Iraq, were tested. The animals’ epidemiological information was recorded. An indirect Elisa test kit was used to establish the disease’s incidence. The incidence of BRSV in goats was 44.5%, and it was substantially higher in Goats aged more than one-year (50.4%). The incidence of BRSV in male and female goats did not vary significantly. Compared to samples taken during the other seasons, those collected in the winter had a significantly higher BRSV incidence. There was a significantly difference in disease infection rate (P≤0.05) among mixed goats compared with others that were not mixed with other specious. The results revealed that the imported animals had a significantly higher prevalence than the native goats. In Conclusion: Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus is predominant in goats from the Al-Najaf province and risk factors such as animal age, herd size, origin, and the herd’s geographical location are related to an increased occurrence of the disease in this region. Routine vaccination plans must be assumed to decrease the incidence of BRSV in goats.