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Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias
Print version ISSN 0120-0690On-line version ISSN 2256-2958
Abstract
SAA, Luis R et al. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) seropositivity in cattle herds from Ecuador. Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2021, vol.34, n.3, pp.177-188. Epub Oct 06, 2022. ISSN 0120-0690. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.rccp.v34n3a01.
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.
Keywords : BLV; bovine leukemia virus; cattle; cows; EBL; enzootic bovine leukosis; epidemiology; prevalence; risk factors; ruminant; seroprevalence; seropositivity; virus.