학술논문
Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) seropositivity in cattle herds from Ecuador
Document Type
article
Author
Source
Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias, Vol 34, Iss 3, Pp 177-188 (2020)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
2256-2958
Abstract
Background: Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL). This disease mainly affects cattle, causing severe economic losses to producers. Objective: To establish individual and herd seroprevalence and determine the risk factors associated with BLV seropositivity for dairy and dual-purpose cattle herds in Ecuador. Methods: A total of 2,668 serum samples from 386 herds were collected. A questionnaire, including variables related to cattle health, management and the environment was completed by each herd. A commercial blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to determine seropositivity. A generalized estimating equation model (GEE) was developed to determine the factors associated with BLV seropositivity. Results: Individual seroprevalence of BLV infection in Ecuador was 17.3% (CI95% = 15.86-18.74%). Herd prevalence was 37.8% (CI95% = 33.0-42.6%), and intra-herd prevalence ranged between 12.5 and 100% (median: 37.5%). The risk factors associated with BLV seropositivity were artificial insemination (OR: 2,215; CI95% = 1.402-3.501), concrete floors (OR: 2.178; CI95% = 1.217-3.889), presence of wild ruminants (OR: 2.998; CI95% = 1.788-5.027), and sampling season (wet; OR: 1.996; CI95% = 1.140-3.497). Conclusions: Results indicate that BLV is widespread in cattle herds in Ecuador. In addition, the study suggests that a control program to fight BLV infection should focus on controlling the risk factors identified.