Seroprevalence and risk factors of bluetongue virus infection in sheep and goats in West Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Adem Beyan, Wassie Molla, Adugna Berju Molla, Mastewal Birhan, Saddam Mohammed Ibrahim, Bereket Dessalegn, Ambaye Kenubih, Abebe Tesfaye Gessese, Mebrie Zemene Kinde, Gashaw Getaneh Dagnaw, Melkie Dagnaw Fenta, Hana Tesfaye, Takele Tesgera, Liyuwork Tesfaw, Habtamu Abesha, Zewdu Seyoum Tarekegn, Haileyesus Dejene, Molalegne Bitew
Abstract
Introduction: Bluetongue is a non-contagious arthropod-borne viral disease that affects ruminants. No investigations have yet been conducted to ascertain the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bluetongue in Northwest Ethiopia. It is essential to determine the seroprevalence and correlated risk elements to formulate an effective strategy for preventing and surveillance of the disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between February 2023 and May 2023 to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Bluetongue virus (BTV) in sheep and goats in the selected districts of West Gondar zone. A multistage cluster sampling technique was employed, with zones and districts purposively selected, and kebeles within these districts chosen through simple random sampling. Villages were treated as clusters. A total of 444 blood specimens were collected from the sheep and goats and subsequently tested for BTV antibodies using a commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. A mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between Bluetongue virus seropositivity and potential risk factors. Results: < 0.05). Adult and older sheep and goats exhibited 3.49 (95% CI: 1.90-6.41) and 25.95 (95% CI: 9.45-71.28) times higher seroprevalence with the bluetongue virus in comparison to their younger counterparts, respectively. Discussion: In conclusion, the current findings showed that BTV is highly prevalent. The specific circulating BTV serotypes and the temporal pattern of Bluetongue in the study area remain unknown, necessitating further investigation.