SEROLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF SCHMALLENBERG VIRUS IN CATTLE IN MOSUL CITY, IRAQ

TAHA, FAHAD YASEEN; MOOSA, DHIYAA ABDULLAH; ALIMAM, HUSSAM M.; ALHANKAWE, OMER KHAZAAL

doi:10.21608/avmj.2025.359705.1580

SEROLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF SCHMALLENBERG VIRUS IN CATTLE IN MOSUL CITY, IRAQ

Document Type : Research article

Authors

¹ Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine,University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

² Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

10.21608/avmj.2025.359705.1580

Abstract

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a new Orthobunyavirus that infects animals and results in pregnancy loss, congenital deformity, and decline milk supply. The serological research for evidence of SBV was highly beneficial for management and early warning. Thus, the study aimed to determine SBV antibodies in the sera of cows and buffaloes with a history of reproductive issues, to determine the relationship between the percentage of infection and certain risk factors, and to find out the severity of infection. Between March 2023 and February 2024, the study was carried out in a number of districts in Nineveh governorate. Ninety-two blood samples from cows and buffaloes older than two years were collected. Schmallenberg virus antibodies were detected using the commercial ELISA kit. At a significance level of P≤0.05, the chi-square test was applied. Overall, the percentages of SBV antibodies in cows and buffaloes were 74.07% and 63.15%, respectively, with no significant differences between the districts included in the investigation. The results also showed that the highest percentages were found in cows (84.61%) and buffaloes (77.77%) that were three years of age or less. These percentages vary significantly, with those older than four years. Spring had the highest percentage of SBV antibodies (87.09%), and it differed significantly from summer (52.63%) and winter (47.05%). Serologically, the most prevalent infection type was severe (46.73%), which differed significantly from moderate (15.21%) and mild (7.6%). In conclusion, there is a high and widespread level of serological evidence of SBV in the studied areas.

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