Sero- Prevalence and Risk Factors of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (sero-type A) in Cattle in Khartoum State -Sudan

Abstract

This study is a cross- sectional study, carried out in Khartoum State, Sudan during the period from the 9th of April to 22nd of May 2014 with the objectives to determine the sero- prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) sero-type A and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the disease in cattle. A total of 85 serum samples were collected from cattle from six localities of Khartoum State and were examined at the Veterinary Research Institute Soba, Khartoum, using the Virus Neutralization test (VNT). Results of the present study showed that the overall sero-prevalence of FMD Serotype A in Khartoum State was (68.8%). Thirty two risk factors were investigated to determine the association between them and the occurrence of FMD. In the univariate analysis using the Chi square (χ2) test the following risk factors: locality, age, breed, herd size, artificial insemination, test of new animals before placement in the herd and manure disposal were found significantly associated (P- value ≤ 0.30) with FMD sero-positivity. In the multivariate analysis using the logistic Regression, only age was found significantly associated (P-value ≤ 0.05) with FMD sero-positivity. It was concluded from the results that the sero-prevalence of FMD in cattle in Khartoum State is of concern in the area, therefore effective control measures should be implemented to limit the effect of the disease.