Seroprevalence of coronaviruses of cattle and pigs in Belgian herds.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bovine coronavirus (BCoV), porcine haemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV), and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) are common coronaviruses of cattle and swine, but they are rarely monitored. From December 2021 to March 2022, we collected 2,639 bovine and 2,633 porcine serum samples from Belgian herds to determine the current seroprevalence of BCoV, PHEV and PRCV in their respective hosts. The samples were categorised by age and province. Sera were tested individually in virus neutralisation (VN) assays against recent virus isolates. RESULTS: The seroprevalence rates of BCoV, PHEV and PRCV at the individual level were 95.3%, 96.2% and 76.4%, respectively. The seroprevalence of BCoV and PRCV was significantly lower in calves and fattening pigs than in adult animals. The seroprevalence tended to be greater in provinces with higher livestock densities. Most Belgian pigs (74.2%) were seropositive for both PHEV and PRCV. CONCLUSION: The three animal coronaviruses, BCoV, PHEV and PRCV, are enzootic in Belgian cattle and swine herds. Age and animal density were associated with seropositivity. There is cocirculation of PHEV and PRCV in Belgian swine herds.