Prevalence and Risk Factors of Foot and Mouth Disease of Cattle in Khartoum State - Sudan

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2013 in three localities of Khartoum State (Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahrry) - Sudan. The aims of these study to estimate the seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease virus and to determine the risk factors which could be associated with Foot and Mouth Disease of cattle in Khartoum State . A total of 132 bovine serum samples were collected from three localities (Khartoum 14, Omdurman 73, and Bahrry 45) and tested for antibodies against FMD virus by using the Virus neutralization test. Semi structured questionnaire format was prepared and 9 informants were interviewed. Out of 132 serum samples were screened against the two serotypes (O and SAT2) of three serotypes of FMD known to be in circulation in Sudan (O. A and SAT2). The overall sero-prevalence of FMD in the in Khartoum State was found to be 53.4% (CI = 95%). Out of 132 serum samples examined at National Veterinary Institute by Virus neutralization test one hundred and ten serum samples were found to be positive for the disease(83.3%), while twenty two serum samples tested negative(16.7%). One hundred and nine (82.6%) were positive for the serotype (O). The highest prevalence was observed at Omdurman (86.30 %) followed by Khartoum (78.57 %) and Bahrry (77.78%). While thirty two (24.24%) tested positive for serotype (SAT2). The highest prevalence was observed at Khartoum (28.57 %) followed by Bahrry (24.44%) and Omdurman (23.29 %). There was a high prevalence in the circulation of serotype (O) as compared with the serotype (SAT2).

Statistically there was high significant association between seropositivity of FMDV serotype (O) and age of animals (p-value = 0.001), hygienic Practices. (P-value = 0.029), distance between farms (P-value = 0.029) and green fodder (P-value = 0.029). But no association between the seropositivity of theses serotype and sex of animals (p-value = 0.068. The results of association of FMDV serotype (SAT 2) showed no significant association between these serotype and breed (p-value = 0.251) and body condition (p-value = 0.251). But showed high significant association between seropositivity of FMDV serotype (SAT 2) and herd size (p-value = 0.007) and previous history of infections of other diseases in the farms (p-value = 0.003). The results of this study showed that FMD is an important cattle disease in the study areas. This fact justifies the need of attention and subsequent study to determine the recently circulating virus strains and factors responsible for the widespread seropositivity which helps to design appropriate control strategies and to implementation of an effective control measures to limit the effect of FMD particularly on the Sudanese cattle.