Occurrence of Foot and Mouth Disease serotypes in trade cattle sold in Kwara state, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Serological detection of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) serotype specific antibodies in trade cattle was conducted to determine occurrence of FMDV serotypes. Methodology and results: Cross-sectional study based on randomly sampled sera in cattle with unknown FMD vaccination history was carried out in five cattle markets in Kwara state over a period of 3 months (August-SeptemberOctober) in 2011. The sera were screened for antibodies to FMDV non-structural protein (NSP) using NS-Blocking ELISA Kit (PrioCHECK®) and serotype specific antibodies determined by a Solid-Phase Competitive ELISA. Out of 253 sera positive for FMDV serotypes, 74.3% (188) sera were from recovered and 25.7% (65 sera) infected trade cattle. The percentage serotype distribution was 18.6%, 46.6%, 21.3%, and 13.4% for serotype A, O, SAT1 and SAT2 respectively. However, combination of O and A, A and SAT2 as well as O and SAT2 occurred in some cattle. Serotype distribution according to location showed serotype O and SAT2 was highest in Ajasse and serotype A and SAT1 was highest in Bode Sadu and Ilesha baruba markets respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact study: Specific antibody detection confirmed FMD serotypes endemicity and ongoing infections in trade cattle within the Nigerian local markets. The identification of these circulating FMDV serotypes is necessary as a baseline for vaccination control strategy, in conjunction with international livestock trade regulation to enhance potentials of national dependence on beef exportation.