SEROPREVALENCE AND STUDY OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH REPRODUCTIVE DISEASES IN DAIRY COWS

Abstract

In order to determine the seroprevalence and possible risk factors associated with reproductive diseases as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (DVB) and neosporosis, a study was developed during 2011 to 2013 in dairy cows from farms located in a tropical dry forest. They were selected 22 farms with history of abortion and no vaccination; the sample was composed by 384 cows at random and proportional to each farm size. An indirect ELISA kit (IDEXX) was used to determine the presence of antibodies (IgG) against IBR, DVB and Neospora caninum. Associated risk factors were collected through a survey  point prevalence was calculated, chi-square test was performed for the association variable and disease; and it was estimated the association between risk factor seroprevalence using the ratio products crusaders (odd ration-OR). Seroprevalence of IBR, DVB, Neospora was 60%, 40% and 28%, respectively. Age (OR=1,79; P=0,005) and abortions (OR=1,43; P=0,169) were a risk factor for IBR. A negative association of DVB antibodies (IgG) was found with age (OR=0,968; P=0,481) and abortion (OR=0,837; P=0,344). Factors associated with Neospora were history of abortion (OR=2,90; P=0,001), AGE (OR=0,816; P=0,211) and presence of dogs (OR= 3,40; P=0,92). We conclude that these diseases are endemic in the studied area and as analyzed risk factors should promote prevention and control measures on farms to minimize transmission.