Abstract:
Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is an economically important disease in most cattle-producing
countries all over the world including Ethiopia and is caused by Bovine viral diarrhea virus
(BVDV). The main purpose of the current study was to identify the type of circulating Bovine
viral diarrhea virus in dairy cattle, to estimate the seroprevalence, and assess the risk factors
associated with bovine viral diarrhea seroprevalence in dairy cattle in Jimma town of Oromia
Regional State, south-western Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was employed to collect
samples and relevant data from November 2023 to April 2024 from 48 dairy farms and 383 non-
vaccinated animals. A total of 383 serum samples were subjected for the detection of Bovine
viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) antibodies and antigens using a competitive enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (ID Screen® BVD p80 Antibody). In addition, a one-step
reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) enzyme mix (Qiagen®, California,
USA) was used to detect the viral genome in pooled swab samples. Analytical statistics such as
chi-square and multivariable logistic regression were used to present study findings using the
SPSS version 26 statistical analysis tool. In the present study, a total of 72 (18.8%) (95% CI:
15.0-23.1) animals and 20 (41.1%) (95% CI: 27.6-56.7) farms were seropositive to BVDV
antibodies. Based on chi-square analyses, age, history of respiratory problems, breeding system,
production system, and animal housing system showed significant association (p<0.05) with
bovine viral diarrhea seroprevalence. However, only the production system showed a significant
association (p<0.5) at the farm level. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds of
seroprevalence in adult animals was 2.2 (OR=2.2; p=0.02). In addition, animals with a history
of respiratory problems and those housed in head-to-tail arrangements had 2.7 (p=0.205) and
4.8 (p=0.021), respectively the odds of becoming seropositive than their counter categories. All
samples tested using RT-PCR and antigen detection ELISA were negative for BVDV antigen.
The present study concludes that a considerable proportion of dairy cattle in the study area are
exposed to BVDV. However, there is no evidence of persistent infection (PI) among the dairy
farms in the study area. Thus, there is a need to apply effective management strategies against
BVDV including, vaccination, biosecurity measures, and housing management
