Seroprevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) and associated risk factors in cattle in selected farms in Bachok, Kelantan

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is an infectious disease caused by the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV). This pathogen is a small, enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Pestivirus genus of the Flaviviridae Family. The cytopathic (CP) BVDV strains are mostly associated with mucosal disease outbreaks, while the non-cytopathic (NCP) strains are ubiquitous and commonly linked to severe acute infections. This contagious disease affects cattle worldwide, leading to reproductive disorders, immunosuppression, reduced productivity, and consequently major economic losses to the livestock industry. This study aims to detect the seroprevalence of BVDV in the blood serum from selected local cattle farms located in Bachok, Kelantan. A total of 40 blood samples were obtained from cattle of varying ages and breeds raised under smallholder farm systems. The samples were analyzed using a commercial BVDV rapid test kit based on the immunochromatographic detection of BVDV antibodies. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive studies in Malaysia on the seroprevalence and impact of BVDV in cattle, with only limited reports available in Selangor and Sabah, but little to no information in Kelantan. From the result, 33 samples (82.5%) were found to be seropositive for BVD, and 7 samples (17.5%) were negative shown by the rapid test kit. The high seroprevalence observed suggests active or past exposure of cattle to the virus within the study area. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the presence of BVDV in the blood serum of cattle, which indicates the potential exposure of the virus within the Bachok area. The findings indicate widespread circulation of BVDV among cattle populations in Bachok, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance, and routine diagnostic screening.