Field investigation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus infection in cattle in the northern states of Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of FMD virus serotypes SAT 1 and SAT 2 among Nigerian cattle was determined using Complement Fixation (CF) and Serum Neutralization (SN) Tests in 2000 cattle sera obtained from nine northern states. The disease prevalence by CF and SN were 46.79% and 53.15% respectively. These figures were lower than that obtained in 1987 (55%). Plateau and Bauchi States maintained the highest positive cases with SAT 1 virus serotype using CF test (44.8% and 43.6%) and with SN test, 51.2% and 46.8% respectively. For SAT 2 virus, Borno and Adamawa States had the highest prevalence with CF, 41.00% and 30.50% and with SN maintained the highest prevalence; 46.50% and 29.50% respectively. The two serological tests were very specific and sensitive enough to detect and quantify the antibody levels in the infected animals. These results were very significant since these animals were not vaccinated against FMD. It showed evidence of FMD virus SAT 1 and SAT 2 serological types circulation in the country and may be responsible for set backs and the low output in the livestock sector in Nigeria. Further studies on other FMD virus serotypes in other states are suggested. Other details of the findings have been discussed.

Keywords: Foot and Mouth Disease, Virus, Antibodies, Prevalence

Nig J. Biotech. Vol. 24 (2012) 20-26