Objective

. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Bovine herpesvirus - 1 (BoHV-1) and Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) neutralizing antibodies in herds on the Colombian high plains and their correlation with the level of cross-protection against both herpesviruses.

Materials and methods

. This study was carried out on cattle farms located around the towns of Puerto López and Puerto Gaitán in Colombia's Meta department. Sampling was made by convenience. Twenty-three farms were involved in the study; 488 sera samples were taken by random sampling. Virus neutralization test were performed according to the protocols of the OIE. Each serum was evaluated independently for each virus, BoHV-1 and BoHV-5.

Results.

The serological test confirmed the presence of BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 infections in the Colombian bovine population in 100% and 73.9% respectively. However, cross-reaction for both viruses was not evident in all farms evaluated.

Conclusions

. Alpha-herpesviruses are amongst the most significant infectious agents affecting cattle. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is found throughout the whole world and is endemic in Colombian bovine population, whereas bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) has limited geographical distribution, mainly being reported in South-America (Brazil and Argentina), and we also confirmed the presence of BoHV-5 in Colombia.

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