Seroepidemiology of Bluetongue Virus in Domestic and Wild Animals in Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Bluetongue (BT) is one of the major economically important livestock diseases in India. BT virus (BTV) can infect many domesticated and wild ruminants. At least 26 serotypes have been identified worldwide. In the present seroprevalence study on sheep and goat, a total of 50 sheep serum samples were tested, and 16 (32%) were found positive for blue tongue antibodies. In goats, out of total 348 serum samples, 45 (12.93%) tested positive. Out of a total 335 serum samples of cattle, 235 samples were tested by i-ELISA, 77 (32.76%) samples were tested positive, whereas 100 samples were tested by c-ELISA. Out of 100 samples, 54 (54%) were reported positive. Out of 124 samples of buffalo, 16 (12.9%) were reported positive. The results revealed high seroprevalence (55%) of BTV infection in sheep and goat compared to ruminants. The present study indicates that serological evidence of exposure to infection was widely distributed all over the region. Since there are no restrictions on the movement of animals from one region to another within the country; thus, outbreaks may also occur due to transportation of animals. Therefore, for prevention and control of the BTV, focus should not only be on vaccination plans and vector eradication but also on restriction of the movement of animals from one region to another within the country.