Aim: The study was undertaken to assess presence of sub-clinical
bluetongue in the state of Assam, one of the un-affected north-eastern state of
India.
Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from
apparently healthy as well as suspected sheep, goat and cattle from different
districts of Assam encompassing various agro-climatic zones. Anti-BT antibodies
were screened in sera using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA).
Results: Out of total 313 animal serum samples screened (sheep-68,
goat-195, cattle-50), 58.82% of sheep, 31.79% of goat and 70.00% of cattle serum
samples were found positive. The prevalence of anti-BT antibodies in different
agro climatic zones ranged between 31-50%.
Conclusion: This study
revealed high seroprevalence of bluetongue in cattle, sheep and goats in Assam.
Incidence of bluetongue in animals of Assam being not reported so far; the
present seroprevalence status of bluetongue in Assam indicates presence of
sub-clinical infection in the state for the first time.
Keywords:
Antibodies, Assam, bluetongue, iELISA, seroprevalence, virus
