Seroprevalence of Bluetongue Virus in Dairy Herds with Reproductive Problems in Sudan

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the seroprevalence of blue tongue virus (BTV) and assess potential risk factors associated with BTV infection in dairy cattle with reproductive problems in Sudan. Serum samples were collected from a total of 784 animals from 37 herds and tested for antibodies against BTV using cELISA. A total of 663 out of 784 (84.57%) sera tested proved positive for BTV antibodies in all farms tested in Khartoum and Gazira States. The prevalence of antibodies was high in both areas being 94.32% in Gazira State and 76.62% in Khartoum State. BTV antibodies prevalence were significantly higher (P < 0.000) in older animals than in younger ones. These rates were also significantly higher in the rainy season (P < 0.000) and in Gazira State compared to Khartoum State. Sex also showed significant (P < 0.000) differences in the seroprevalence, whereby females (74.7%) had higher level than males (9.8%). However, no significant (P > 0.09) variations for BTV seroprevalence were observed between breeds. The BTV antibodies prevalence in infertility cases (86.6%) was not significantly different from that found in abortion (74.3%) or neonatal death (66.7%) cases. The high seroprevalence of BTV recorded herein calls for control strategy to be implemented.