Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Herpesvirus-1 in Eastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye

BACKGROUND

and

OBJECTIVE:

Bovine

Herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) is a major viral agent

associated with respiratory, reproductive, and

neurological diseases in cattle. The presence of the

pathogen in a herd or its carrier status causes

significant economic losses. The virus can establish

a lifelong latent infection and reactivate in the

presence of factors such as stress, which

complicates the dynamics of infection within a herd.

Therefore, seroepidemiological surveillance in

herds, the identification of risk factors, and the

investigation of the mechanisms of infection

transmission are crucial for controlling and

eradicating the disease. The aim of this study was to

determine the serological prevalence of BoHV-1 and

identify potential risk factors in the Eastern Anatolia

region of Türkiye, where the cattle population is

concentrated.

MATERIALS and METHODS: In this study, blood

serum samples were collected from 592 cattle older

than six months of age, selected from 49 farms

across 10 provinces in the Eastern Anatolia region of

Türkiye. The presence of BoHV-1 was serologically

investigated using the gB-ELISA method. Farmers

were asked about colostrum intake, herd size and

type, animal procurement, and quarantine practices

in the event of disease. Information was also

gathered about sex, feeding system, calf rearing

method, breed, air quality, farm milk yield, age,

infertility, and milking method. Additional factors

surveyed included farm type, co-rearing with other

animal species, distance from other cattle farms, and

visitor access to the farm. Calf housing units, body

condition score, vaccination status, breeding

method, presence of respiratory findings, and farm

hygiene conditions were also covered. Comparative

statistical analysis of the epidemiological data was

performed using the Generalised Estimating

Equations (GEE) model.

RESULTS: According to the results of the gB-ELISA

test, BoHV-1 antibodies were detected in 49.48%

(293/592) of the 592 cattle examined. Statistical

analyses revealed that the variables of province

(p=0.002), age (p=0.003), and animal procurement

(p<0.001) had a statistically significant effect on

seropositivity. It was found that the seropositivity

rate was particularly higher in cattle aged 1–5 years.

Furthermore, it was determined that purchasing

locally sourced animals poses a higher risk of BoHV

1 seropositivity compared to purchasing imported

animals.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that BoHV-1

infection circulates endemically in Eastern Anatolia.

The identified risk factors provide data for infection

monitoring and for planning control programmes.

These findings support the development of regional

control and surveillance strategies.