Molecular detection and macroelements changes in cattle infected with bovine ephemeral fever virus in Assiut Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is a dangerous febrile viral disease that affects cattle and causes large financial losses. The aims of this study were to study clinical findings of BEF virus (BEFV) infection, identify certain risk factors and evaluate infected cattle's mineral changes. One hundred and seven cattle were used in this investigation. Whole blood and serum samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) had been employed for BEFV diagnosis. The observed clinical findings of BEFV infection in cattle were fever, respiratory manifestation (serous nasal discharge & cough), lacrimation, lameness, enlarged of superficial lymph nodes, drop of milk production, ruminal stasis, and recumbency. Of the studied diseased cattle, 43 (43%) of 100 whole blood samples showed molecularly positive results for G₁ gene. The infection rate of BEFV had no significant variation by locality, age, sex, breed and season in the studied diseased cattle. Serum calcium level of confirmed BEFV positive samples was significantly lower (p<0.001) than serum calcium level in clinically healthy ones. The serum phosphorus and magnesium levels in BEFV infected cattle did not differ significantly (P<0.05) from that of clinically healthy ones. The importance of establishing efficient prevention and control strategies in Egypt must be emphasized in order to reduce the prevalence of BEFV infection in cattle.