Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Herpesvirus-1 in Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye
33rd World Buiatrics Congress / WBC2026, Türkiye, 06 Eylül 2026, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVE: Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) is a major viral agent associated with respiratory, reproductive, and neurological diseases in cattle. The presence of the pathogen in a herd or its carrier status causes significant economic losses. The virus can establish a lifelong latent infection and reactivate in the presence of factors such as stress, which complicates the dynamics of infection within a herd. Therefore, seroepidemiological surveillance in herds, the identification of risk factors, and the investigation of the mechanisms of infection transmission are crucial for controlling and eradicating the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of BoHV-1 and identify potential risk factors in the Eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye, where the cattle population is concentrated.
MATERIALS and METHODS: In this study, blood serum samples were collected from 592 cattle older than six months of age, selected from 49 farms across 10 provinces in the Eastern Anatolia region of Türkiye. The presence of BoHV-1 was serologically investigated using the gB-ELISA method. Farmers were asked about colostrum intake, herd size and type, animal procurement, and quarantine practices in the event of disease. Information was also gathered about sex, feeding system, calf rearing method, breed, air quality, farm milk yield, age, infertility, and milking method. Additional factors surveyed included farm type, co-rearing with other animal species, distance from other cattle farms, and visitor access to the farm. Calf housing units, body condition score, vaccination status, breeding method, presence of respiratory findings, and farm hygiene conditions were also covered. Comparative statistical analysis of the epidemiological data was performed using the Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) model.
RESULTS: According to the results of the gB-ELISA test, BoHV-1 antibodies were detected in 49.48% (293/592) of the 592 cattle examined. Statistical analyses revealed that the variables of province (p=0.002), age (p=0.003), and animal procurement (p<0.001) had a statistically significant effect on seropositivity. It was found that the seropositivity rate was particularly higher in cattle aged 1–5 years. Furthermore, it was determined that purchasing locally sourced animals poses a higher risk of BoHV 1 seropositivity compared to purchasing imported animals.
CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that BoHV-1 infection circulates endemically in Eastern Anatolia. The identified risk factors provide data for infection monitoring and for planning control programmes. These findings support the development of regional control and surveillance strategies.