Epidemiological Study of Bovine Parainfluenza 3 Virus in Sheep: Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Distribution in Two Regions of Algeria

Abstract

Background: Respiratory viral diseases, including the bovine parainfluenza 3 virus cause significant economic losses in ruminants. There is no available data regarding th epidemiological situation of this virus in Algeria. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the seroprevalence and the associated risk factor of bovine parainfluenza 3 virus (BPI3V) in sheep in two different climatic regions of Algeria. Methods: A total of 108 serum samples were collected from sheep at different ages and tested fo antibodies against BPI3V using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A real-tim polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also performed on nasal swabs to detect the viral genome. Results: At the animal level, out of 108 sera tested, 82 (75.93%, 95% CI, 66.75%, 83.63% showed antibodies against BPI3V. At the herd level, all 23 herds tested (100%) had at least on animal with BPI3V antibodies. Our results showed no association between the presence of BPI3V antibodies and the region (P=0.72). However, at the herd level, risk factors such as flock size an predisposing factors like climate change, feed deficit, postpartum stress, and dust were identified At the animal level, a highly significant association was found between BPI3V seroprevalence an the age of the animals (P<0.0001). Notably, the sheep group over 3 years was more susceptible tha other age groups. Furthermore, a significant difference in BPI3V seroprevalence based on sex wa observed (P<0.003). All collected nasal swabs were negative for BPI3V genome detection usin real-time PCR. Conclusion: This study is the first serological survey on BPI3V in Algeria, confirming it presence in sheep from two regions. The high serum prevalence of BPI3V observed in the stud population highlights addressing this viral disease to mitigate economic losses in ruminants.