Prevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus in large ruminants of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state

Aim: Seroprevalence study of BT antibodies in large ruminants of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. Materials and Methods: A total of 246 serum samples of Cattle and Buffalo were screened for qualitative analysis of the BTV antibodies using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA) kit. Results: The results showed an overall percentage of BTV positive cattle and buffalo serum samples were 89.80% and 80% respectively. The results based upon the serum samples showing optical density values more than 50 per cent of the mean of negative control were taken as positive for presence of BTV antibodies. A high percentage of cattle showed BTV antibodies in places Parbhani (92.53%), Nanded (86%) and Aurangabad (81.81%). The percentage of BTV antibodies in buffaloes was 70%, 100%, 100% and 87.5% respectively in Parbhani, Nanded, Aurangabad and Hingoli. Conclusion: BTV antibodies were widely prevalent in cattle & buffaloes of Marathwada region and cELISA were found to be sensitive and effective for screening of BTV group specific antibodies.