Serodiagnosis and Risk Factors Associated with Infectious Agents of Reproductive Diseases in Bovines of Chiquinquirá, District of Boyacá (Colombia)

Abstract

The productivity of cattle farms is affected by infectious and noninfectious factors that generate economic losses and cause reproductive failure represented by low conception rates, embryonic mortality, abortions, and fetal mummification. The infectious agents that most impact the reproductive health of the bovine species from conception to birth are bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) causing infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), Neospora caninum and Leptospira spp. The objective of this study was to diagnose the presence of BoHV-1, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), PI3, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira spp. by serology and identify the risk factors associated with infectious agents of reproductive interest in bovines of Boyacá (Colombia). A descriptive cross-sectional study was developed, with simple random sampling, where a sample size of 601 female cattle of Holstein, Jersey, and Normande breeds of different age groups was determined. Blood samples were taken and processed using the indirect ELISA technique (SYNBIOTICS®, SERELISA® BVD p80 Ab Mono Blocking, Ingezim R.12.NC.K, PRIMACHECK VPI-3®) and the MAT test for the diagnosis of bovine leptospirosis. The data were processed with the statistical program Epi Info™. The highest apparent seroprevalence was established for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (61.1%), followed by BVD (37.6%), PI3 (40.9%), neosporosis (51.1%), and leptospirosis (14.8%). Variables such as age >4 years and Holstein breed for IBR and >4 years for BVD were established risk factors. Considering our results, we suggest implementing prevention and control plans that include vaccination as a prophylactic measure and biosecurity tools that reduce the probability of contagion and transmission of pathogens.

Molecular frequency of bovine leukemia virus in Creole cattle of Eastern Colombia

“…This study reveals that variables such as age, department, and season demonstrate statistically significant associations with BLV infection. Regarding age, similar trends have been observed in epidemiological studies from America and Asia ( Lancheros-Buitrago et al, 2023 ; Selim et al, 2020 ,; 2021 ), suggesting that adult animals have a higher risk of infection compared to the young. Regarding the season, the high frequency of infection detected during the transition can be explained by the increased populations of vectors such as stable flies ( Stomoxys calcitrans ), horn flies ( Haematobia irritans ), and tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) during this period, similar to observations in other vector-borne diseases in these regions ( Jaimes-Dueñez et al, 2018 ).…”

Comparative Analysis of the Prevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Cattle Populations Based on Detection Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…In addition to the detection method, BVDV prevalence was influenced by various risk factors such as the age of cattle, farm management, practices related to breeding and reproduction, and coinfection. The age of cattle was identified as a significant factor influencing seroprevalence of BVDV, being higher in adult cattle compared to calves [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. However, this could be influenced by the detection method used, since older cattle, having had more cumulative exposure to the virus, might show higher seroprevalence, especially when detected via antibody-based assays.…”