Serological prevalence of foot and mouth disease in parts of Keffi local government area in Nassarawa state Nigeria.

Abstract

About 80% of screened cattle were found to have been infected at least once with one of the seven serotypes of Foot-And- Mouth-Disease virus in areas of Keffi Local Government Area (LGA) in Nassarawa state. A total number of 108 bovine serum samples was collected from Maygaka, Angwa Ninzo and Kofar Hausa areas in Keffi LGA , with age, breed and sex of the animals recorded. Samples were collected based on previous history of foot And Mouth disease in the herd commonly called “Boro” by the herdsmen. Screening procedure was based on antibodies detection for the non structural protein mainly 3ABC protein in bovine serum regardless of the serotype of FMD virus involved using Chekit-FMD-3ABC ELISA (Bommeli Diagnostics, South Africa). Sample was said to be positive when its percentage inhibition (PI) calculated based on the kit manufacturer’s recommendation was ≥ 30 %. Categorical variables (sex, age and location) were considered. Out of the total sampled animals, 77.08% was found to have been infected at least once with FMD virus with 33.33% of this infection in Angwa Ninzo, 8.33% in Kofar Hausa and 35.42% in Maygaka. There was no sex or breed predisposition to this disease. Prevalence was calculated by dividing the number of 3ABC ELISA positive animals by the total number of animals tested. Chi-square test was used for comparison of variables and tests were considered as significant at P < 0.05.Using double reciprocal simple linear model of analysis, it was observed that there is a significant relationship between and percentage inhibition and age of animal at 95% confidence interval.

Key Words: Seroprevalence, Foot-And-Mouth Disease, Nassarawa.