Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Assessment of Bovine Leukemia Virus in Cattle in Beheira, Egypt

Abstract

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the etiological agent of enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL), which is the most prevalent neoplastic disease of cattle worldwide. Few studies have been conducted on BLV detection in Egypt, and it is unknown whether BLV is prevalent in some areas. BLV seroprevalence has never been identified in Beheira province. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to determine the seroprevalence of BLV among cattle in Beheira. A total of 368 cattle plasma samples (219 dairy and 149 beef) from 6 dairy farms, 1 beef farm, and 9 slaughterhouses in eight districts covering most geographical areas of Beheira were investigated using a commercial ELISA for the detection of anti-gp51 antibodies. Data were analyzed, and the risk factors associated with BLV infection were evaluated. Out of the whole samples, 44 (11.9%) tested positive for BLV, and the seroprevalence rates in dairy and beef cattle were 31/219 (14.2%) and 13/149 (8.7%), respectively. Cattle breed had a significant risk factor on BLV seroprevalence, as in Holstein cattle, it was 21.65% (OR= 3.1, p <0.004) higher than mixed local breed (8.20%) in dairy cattle. However, Colombian cattle showed the highest seroprevalence (19.15%) among tested beef cattle breeds.  Additionally, neither age nor farming system had a potential risk on BLV seroprevalence in the tested dairy or beef cattle (p > 0.1). It is concluded that BLV infection is widespread among cattle in Beheira province's various localities, with a potential risk for cattle of foreign breeds to contract the BLV infection.