Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis and Bluetongue Virus Infections in Maltese, Saanen and Hair Goat Breeds

Abstract

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) and Bluetongue virus (BTV) infections cause economic loss to the goat populations. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of the Maltese, Saanen and Hair goat breeds to BTV and CAEV infections. A total of 368 goat serum samples were collected in the same district but different goat breeds and tested by ELISA. Seropositivity rates of BTV infection were detected as 17.74 % in Maltese goat breeds, 2.94% in Saanen goat breeds, but no seropositivity was found in Hair goat breeds. CAEV antibody prevalences in Hair, Maltese and Saanen goat breeds were detected 1.40%, 1.61% and 0.98%, respectively. As a result of this study, Maltese goat breed was more susceptible to BTV infection than Saanen and Hair goat breeds but no significant difference to susceptibility for CAEV infection.