Sero-Prevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus and Bovine Herpesvirus-1 Infection in Egypt and Their Relation to Brucellosis

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) and brucella infection occur globally and remain agronomical burden diseases which cause great financial losses. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the sero-prevalence of BVDV and BHV-1 in locally bred cattle at rural Egypt and the relation between infection with these viruses and the incidence of brucellosis. During the 1st half of 2009, serum samples (n=409) were collected from cattle of 13 governorates in upper and delta of Egypt with a histoiy of brucella infection. The cattle were farmed private with no vaccination program or any veterinarian supervision. Serological diagnosis of BVDV and BHV-1 by native prepared kits of enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and brucella diagnosis by the Rose bengal test (RBT) and serum agglutination test (SAT) were done. Results revealed that high incidence of cattle in rural Egypt are Sero-positive to BVDV and BHV-1 infection (51.84 and 58.68% respectively). There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.48, P<0.05) between BVDV and BHV-1 infection. On the other hand, there was a high incidence of brucellosis (78.24%) with high significant negative correlation between brucella infection andbothBVDV and BHV-1 infection (r=-0.76 and -0.47, P<0.01 respectively). In conclusion, sero-prevalence of BVDV and BHV-1 infection is high in cattle in Egypt and control measures against them must be followed up. The correlation between viral and bacterial infection must be considered in further studies.