Work

Low BVDV antigen prevalence in dairy cattle in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE: a cross-sectional study with regional comparison

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a globally significant pathogen of cattle, causing substantial economic losses through reproductive failure, immunosuppression, and reduced productivity. This cross-sectional study estimated animal- and herd-level prevalence of BVDV antigen in commercial dairy herds in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (EAD), UAE, and contextualized the findings within the epidemiological landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A total of 681 cattle from nine large-scale dairy farms were sampled using a stratified systematic approach and tested for BVDV antigen using a commercial antigen-capture ELISA. Apparent animal-level prevalence was 1.02% (7/681; 95% CI: 0.27–1.79%), while herd-level prevalence was 33.3% (3/9 farms). Within-herd prevalence ranged from 0% to 9.1%, with most farms (6/9) showing no antigen-positive animals. Comparative analysis with published regional data indicates that BVDV antigen prevalence in EAD dairy herds is substantially lower than estimates reported in several MENA countries, where both antigen detection and seroprevalence studies suggest more widespread viral circulation. The observed epidemiological pattern, characterized by low animal-level prevalence but presence across multiple herds, is consistent with limited viral circulation, potentially reflecting an early-endemic or partially controlled state. However, as antigen detection identifies current infection but does not distinguish transient from persistent infection, follow-up testing is required to confirm persistently infected animals. These findings provide the first baseline evidence of BVDV infection in UAE dairy cattle and support the implementation of risk-based control strategies, including targeted detection and removal of persistently infected animals, strengthened biosecurity, and strategic vaccination informed by regional epidemiology.

Source: Tropical Animal Health and Production

DOI: 10.1007/s11250-026-05252-x

Authors: Robert Barigye, Nabeeha A. Hassan, Asha Anthony, Shamma A. R. Al-Ghaithi, Aboma Zewude, Gobena Ameni

Institution: United Arab Emirates University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Virus Infections Studies

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funder: United Arab Emirates University