Factors influencing Akabane virus seroprevalence in sheep and goats in Egypt's Nile Delta.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Akabane virus (AKAV) in sheep and goats in the Nile Delta of Egypt. A total of 820 samples were collected, consisting of 420 sheep and 400 goats, from four governorates and analyzed using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The overall seroprevalence of AKAV was found to be 12.8%, with rates of 11.9% in sheep and 13.8% in goats. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of AKAV infection was significantly associated with various factors, including sex, age, flock size, history of abortion, and the presence of vectors. The odds of AKAV infection were significantly increased twofold in females with a history of abortion, threefold in older animals, and in the presence of vectors. Additionally, the odds were eight times higher in animals raised in flocks of more than twenty. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures to mitigate the spread of AKAV, particularly in high-risk populations.