Serosurvey and associated risk factors for bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in cattle in Egypt

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is widely spread, poses a considerable risk of infection in the majority of dairy farms, causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive problems. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and the risk variables associated with the seroprevalence of BVDV infection in cattle in four Egyptian governorates. A total of 680 blood samples were collected from cattle and examined for the presence of antibodies against BVDV using indirect ELISA (iELISA). Reproductive and management factors were considered, and epidemiological surveys were conducted. The total seroprevalence of BVDV in cattle was 18.24% (124/680) and it was significantly higher in females 19.66% (116/590), cattle older than 8 years 22.14% (62/280), dairy animals 22.65% (94/514), introduction of new animals to herd 21.39% (89/416), breeding with artificial insemination 28.46% (74/260), animals with history of abortion 28.76% (49/357), or during lactation stage 23% (89/387). The present findings suggest that BVD is prevalent in Egyptian dairy cattle and has an impact on farm productivity and production. Therefore, older, lactating, and aborted animals should also be identified for the disease, pose a risk of infection, and be handled appropriately.