Antibody detection against bovine viral diarrhea virus in cattle of the province of Anta, Cusco, Peru

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle, according to breed and age, in five districts of Anta province, Cusco. Serum samples were taken from females (n=1135) and males (n=57) from 262 small farmers and one farmer community. The samples were analyzed by indirect ELISA test. Results showed that 50.8% of the females and 43.9% of the males had antibodies against the BVDV. The percentages of seropositive female bovines in the districts of Ancahuasi, Zurite, Anta, Cachimayo and Huarocondo were 58.6, 45.5, 63.9, 31.5 and 80%, respectively. All farmers had at least one seropositive animal. Antibodies against BVDV were more prevalent in animals older than three years. The s/p coefficients of the seropositive samples varied between <0.2 and >1. It is concluded that the BVDV is widely spread in cattle of the five districts of the province of Anta and the variations of the s/p coefficient of the samples indicate that the infection by the BVDV is active in the animals of the area of study.