Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

An outbreak of Akabane disease in a cattle herd on the Mughan plain, Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Yousef Davoudi 1
Mohammad Nouri 2
Mohammad Rahim Haji Hajikolaie 2
Shobeir Yazdani Paraei 2
Amir Javadi 3
Saleh Esmaeilzadeh 2

1 Department of Veterinary, Sarab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sarab, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Health Deputy of General Department of Veterinary Medicine in Qazvin Province, Qazvin, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2012333.4021
Abstract
In November 2021, an investigation was conducted into an outbreak of abortion, stillbirth, and the birth of calves with congenital abnormalities (arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly) at a dairy farm in Dasht-e-Mughan city, Ardabil province. A total of 70 cows experienced these issues. To determine the cause of the outbreak, post-mortem brain tissue samples were collected from two calves affected by hydranencephaly, which occurred shortly after their birth. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was conducted for multiple viruses, including bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), border disease, Akabane, Schmallenberg, and bluetongue viruses (BTVs). The samples were positive only for Akabane virus. Serum samples were collected from a group of 60 cattle, consisting of 45 adult cows and 15 younger calves aged between 8 to 10 months. These samples were analyzed to detect the presence of antibodies against the Akabane and Schmallenberg viruses. Both of these viruses are known to be responsible for causing abortion, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities in calves. Among 45 cows that tested by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), 26.66% and 33.33% exhibited antibodies against Akabane and Schmallenberg viruses, respectively. Notably, 20.00% of cows co-exhibited antibodies for both viruses. Despite PCR evidence implicating Akabane virus as the principal etiology of clinical signs observed in the affected herd, the high co-seropositivity to Schmallenberg virus, warrants a thorough investigation into potential viral interactions. Further research is required to determine the source of the virus and their transmission routes. This information could facilitate the refinement of disease control strategies and improving the management of reproductive challenges in such affected herds.

Keywords

Akabane virus
Cattle
cELISA
RT-PCR
Schmallenberg

Subjects

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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 15, Issue 6
June 2024
Pages 303-308

  • Receive Date 26 September 2023
  • Revise Date 30 January 2024
  • Accept Date 05 February 2024

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