Molecular epidemiology of bovine ephemeral fever virus in cattle and buffaloes in Iran.

摘要

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is an important viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes that can cause severe economic loss. In this study, the disease prevalence was determined in cattle and buffaloes in Iran (Khuzestan province). The presence of the viral RNA in blood samples collected from 400 cattle (98 males, 302 females) and from 200 water buffaloes (66 males, 134 females) was evaluated using RT-PCR assay. The overall prevalence was 25% and the specific prevalence according to the species was significantly higher in cattle (29%) than in buffaloes (17%). The viral infection rate gradually increased with the age of animals and females (30.0%), especially cows (34.4%), were significantly more frequently infected than males (11.6%). It can be concluded that the bovine ephemeral fever virus is widely prevalent in Southern Iran and also that RT-PCR is a valuable diagnostic method.