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Serological evidence of the occurrence of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) virus infection in cattle in Tanzania

Evidence Serologique De L’Infection Par Le Virus De La Leukose Bovine Chez Le Betail Tanzanien

Evidencia Serologica De Infeccion Enzootica Por El Virus De La Leucosis Bovina (EBL) En Ganado Vacuno En Tanzania

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Summary

Antibodies specific to bovine leukosis (leukemia) virus (BLV) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 2,849 serum samples from exotic/improved and indigenous cattle originating from 6 regions of Tanzania, 2,047 from dairy cattle and 802 from beef cattle. An overall infection rate (prevalence) of approximately 36% was detected. The infection rates were 41% and 21·4% in dairy and beef herds respectively. In the dairy herds the infection rate varied from herd to herd. The possible sources of infection and methods of spread within Tanzania are discussed.

Résumé

Les anticorps spécifiques du virus de la leukose bovine (VLB) furent examinés par ELISA pour 2849 sérums issus de bovins indigènes ou exotiques venant de 6 régions de Tanzanie, 2047 étant issus de cheptel laitier et 802 issues du cheptel à viande. Un taux d’infection moyen de 36% fut détecté, 41% pour le cheptel laitier et 21,4% pour les animaux à viande. Le taux d’infection varia selon les troupeaux étudiés chez les animaux laitiers. Les sources possibles d’infection et les méthodes de dissémination en Tanzanie sont discutées.

Resumen

Se estudiaron los niveles de anticuerpos frente al virus de la leucosis (leucemia bovina (BVL) mediante ELISA en 2849 muestras de suero procedentes de ganado vacuno tanto indígena como importado en 6 regiones de Tanzania. 2047 muestras procedieron de vacuno lechero y 802 de vacuno de carne. Se detectó una prevalencia global aproximada del 36%. Las tasas de infección fueron del 41% y del 21·4% en ganado lechero y de carne respectivamente. En el vacuno de leche, la tasa de infección mostró diferencias entre rebaños. Se discuten las posibles rutas de infección y diseminacion de la enfermedad en Tanzania.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bundesanstalt für Veterinärmedizinische Untersuchungen, Langer Weg 27, Innsbruck, Austria

    K. C. Schoepf

  2. Animal Disease Research Institute (ADRI), PO Box 9254, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

    A. M. Kapaga, H. M. Masami & J. M. K. Hyera

Authors
  1. K. C. Schoepf
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  2. A. M. Kapaga
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  3. H. M. Masami
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  4. J. M. K. Hyera
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Schoepf, K.C., Kapaga, A.M., Masami, H.M. et al. Serological evidence of the occurrence of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) virus infection in cattle in Tanzania. Trop Anim Health Prod 29, 15–19 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02632338

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02632338

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