SEROPREVALENCE OF BOVINE ENZOTIC LEUCOSIS IN 6 TO 24 MONTHS ANIMALS, IN MANABÍ, PICHINCHA AND CHIMBORAZO, ECUADOR

Abstract

Enzootic Bovine Leukemia is a viral disease that can manifest itself by the presence of tumors or asymptomatically
in cattle of any age category. Its socioeconomic significance lies in the decline in milk productivity, reproductive losses,
forfeitures in abattoirs, and prevents the export of livestock or derivatives. The objective of this research was to
determine the seroprevalence of viral enzootic bovine on animals under two years of Pichincha, Manabà and Chimborazo,
provinces that represent important sources of milk production. There were 3 307 samples of bovine blood
serum analyzed, obtained from National sampling of Aphtose Fever organized by AGROCALIDAD. Samples were
analyzed by serological technique indirect ELISA, 480 samples of Pichincha, 2 348 of Manabà and 479 Chimborazo.
Pichincha province presented 8.13% seroprevalence, with the highest percentage of sick animals in Mejia, one of
EcuadorÂŽs main dairy basin. It was observed 0.89% seroprevalence of Manabi and Chimborazo 3.13%. The presence
of the disease was also assessed according to the variables: climate, altitude, age and purpose of cattle, using
chi squared to determine the relationship between them and the appearance of BVL. The investigation showed no
association, showing this result of 105.14, 7.48, 38.87, 140.91 against p values 11.34, 9.21, 18.48 and 9.21 about weather,
age, altitude and purpose, respectively. A greater tendency to get sick was revealed in temperate climates and higher
altitudes, which could be explained by the similarity in practices of intensive exploitation. From the data obtained,
further research can be made, because it is a study base line that can lead to develop a sanitary control plan of BVL
from an early age of cattle.