Seroprevalence of respiratory viral pathogens of indigenous calves in Western Kenya

R Callaby,P Toye,A Jennings,S.M Thumbi,J.A.W Coetzer,I.C Conradie Van Wyk,O Hanotte,M.N Mbole-Kariuki,B.M.De.C Bronsvoort,L.E.B Kruuk,M.E.J Woolhouse,H Kiara

doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.08.010

Abstract

Most studies of infectious diseases in East African cattle have concentrated on gastro-intestinal parasites and vector-borne diseases. As a result, relatively little is known about viral diseases, except for those that are clinically symptomatic or which affect international trade such as foot and mouth disease, bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease. Here, we investigate the seroprevalence, distribution and relationship between the viruses involved in respiratory disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBR), bovine parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PIV3) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in East African Shorthorn Zebu calves. These viruses contribute to the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) which is responsible for major economic losses in cattle from intensive farming systems as a result of pneumonia. We found that calves experience similar risks of infection for IBR, PIV3, and BVDV with a seroprevalence of 20.9%, 20.1% and 19.8% respectively. We confirm that positive associations exist between IBR, PIV3 and BVDV; being seropositive for any one of these three viruses means that an individual is more likely to be seropositive for the other two viruses than expected by chance.

Highlights

Most studies of infectious diseases in East African cattle have concentrated on gastro-intestinal parasites and vector-borne diseases
The seroprevalence at 51 weeks was similar for each virus; infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBR) had an adjusted seroprevalence of 20.9% whilst parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PIV3) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antibodies had adjusted seroprevalences of 20.1% and 19.8%, respectively (Table 1)
This study aimed to describe the prevalence and association of viruses involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) in Western Kenya

Summary

Introduction

Most studies of infectious diseases in East African cattle have concentrated on gastro-intestinal parasites and vector-borne diseases. Relatively little is known about viral diseases, except for those that are clinically symptomatic or which affect international trade such as foot and mouth disease, bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease (Bronsvoort et al, 2003; Toye et al, 2013). In the rest of the world, other viral diseases are known to have a large impact upon the livestock industry. Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) is responsible for major economic losses in cattle from intensive farming systems as a result of pneumonia (Bowland and Shewen, 2000). Studies of intensively farmed feedlot and beef cattle in North America have shown that individuals infected with BRD exhibit. Callaby et al / Research in Veterinary Science 108 (2016) 120–124

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion