Aim: Seroprevalence study of BT antibodies in large ruminants of
Marathwada region of Maharashtra state.
Materials and Methods: A total of
246 serum samples of Cattle and Buffalo were screened for qualitative analysis
of the BTV antibodies using a commercial competitive ELISA (cELISA) kit.
Results: The results showed an overall percentage of BTV positive cattle and
buffalo serum samples were 89.80% and 80% respectively. The results based upon
the serum samples showing optical density values more than 50 per cent of the
mean of negative control were taken as positive for presence of BTV antibodies.
A high percentage of cattle showed BTV antibodies in places Parbhani (92.53%),
Nanded (86%) and Aurangabad (81.81%). The percentage of BTV antibodies in
buffaloes was 70%, 100%, 100% and 87.5% respectively in Parbhani, Nanded,
Aurangabad and Hingoli.
Conclusion: BTV antibodies were widely prevalent
in cattle & buffaloes of Marathwada region and cELISA were found to be sensitive
and effective for screening of BTV group specific antibodies. Keywords:
Bluetongue, cELISA, Large Ruminants, seroprevalence
