Abstract
Aim: Four viral pathogens, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine herpes virus type 1 (BHV-1), bovine parainfluenza type 3 virus (PI-3V), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) are mainly associated with bovine respiratory diseases that cause major economic losses in the dairy cattle industry. This study aimed to document exposure of cattle in Saudi Arabia to infectious BVDV, BHV-1, PI-3V and BRSV viruses in non vaccinated cattle in order to obtain epidemiological and immunological information. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 460 random serum samples obtained from non vaccinated cattle in five districts (Riyadh, Eastern Province, Jizan, Najran, Asir) of Saudi Arabia between January to March 2011. These samples were tested for presence of antibodies against BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV and PIV-3 by commercial indirect ELISA kits. Results: Our findings displayed that Seropositivity rates were 26 % for BVD, 17.4 % for BHV-1, 69.1 % for PI-3V and 75.6 % for BRSV in the sampled population. In addition, coinfections with more than one virus were considerably common among non-vaccinated dairy cattle. Conclusion: These results indicate that exposure to these agents is common within the study areas. Preventive and control measures against these infectious agents should therefore be adopted.
Highlights
Respiratory disorders are major concern for Bovidae
Our findings displayed that Seropositivity rates were 26 % for BVD, 17.4 % for bovine herpes virus type 1 (BHV-1), 69.1 % for parainfluenza type 3 virus (PI-3V) and 75.6 % for bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) in the sampled population
According to the case history collected from the owners, none of the cattle herds in this study were vaccinated against BVD, BHV-1, BRSV, and PI-3V
Summary
Respiratory disorders are major concern for Bovidae. They occur in all countries that practice intensive livestock farming. Bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) complex is a major cause of economic losses in the dairy cattle industry. Viruses and bacteria in combination with stress play a key role in triggering acute respiratory infections. BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV and PI-3V are mainly associated with bovine respiratory diseases. These agents cause severe disruption of the respiratory tract and are associated with shipping fever in growing cattle, as well as weaned and transported calves to feedlots for finishing. BHV-1 and BVDV can suppress the immune system of the host and increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections and/or mycoplasmas outbreaks of respiratory diseases [1]
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