Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine herpesvirus 1 in dairy herds of Colombia

Background and Aim: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an infectious disease widely distributed globally and is considered the main cause of various reproductive and respiratory tract diseases in cattle and buffaloes. This study aimed to estimate seroprevalence and determine risk factors associated with the presentation of IBR in the municipality of Sotaquirá, Boyacá (Colombia). Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was performed, and the sample size was 1,000 cattle. Blood samples were obtained by coccygeal venipuncture and processed through indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the Synbiotics^® kit (Zoetis, New Jersey, USA) with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 98%, respectively. Data were processed using the statistical program EpiInfo^® (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia). Results: A high seroprevalence of 57.5% was established. Seroprevalence was the highest in cattle >4 years of age (65.0% apparent seroprevalence[AS]; 67% true seroprevalence [TS]) and in the Holstein breed (65.5% AS; 67.8% TS). The breed and age of the animals were significantly associated with each other. The Holstein breed, age group >4 years, uncertified semen, and fetal death were established as risk factors for IBR. In comparison, the age groups of <1 and 1-2 years and the Normande breed were established as protective factors against the bovine herpesvirus-1 virus. Conclusion: Management factors, such as livestock from other owners and animal purchases, which affect disease presentation, are evident. The implementation and development of novel prevention and control measures for IBR at the national level are necessary.