Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis. It causes significant economic losses associated
with losses due to slaughter and eradication of infected animal from infected area and other indirect economic losses such as
restriction on importation of animals and semen from infected area. The main objective of this study was to determine the
seroprevalence of BLVantibodies in cattle, buffaloes, and camels in Egypt using ELISA test. Serum samples were collected from
350 cattle, 100 buffaloes, and 100 camels during 2018. The seropositivity for BLV-specific antibody was 20.8%, 9%, and 0% in
cattle, buffaloes, and camels, respectively. The result revealed significant association (p < 0.05) between age and seroprevalence
of BLV infection in cattle > 4 years (24%) compared with those < 4 years (13%). We found no significant association between
pregnancy and herd size and seroprevalence of BLV infection in this study (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the age, pregnancy state, and
herd size had significant effect on seroprevalence of BLV infection in buffaloes. This study contributes that BLV is detected in
cattle and buffaloes in Egypt and confirms that the camels has resistance against BLV infection. Hence, the control measures are
very necessary to combat the transmission of the disease and reduce its economic impact. |
