Prevalence of rotaviral infection in diarrheic neonatal calves in Mosul city, Iraq

Abstract

Aim: The objective of the current study was to identify the prevalence of rotaviral infection in neonatal calves in Mosul city, Iraq. Material and Methods: From November 2010 to March 2011 a total 220 faecal samples were collected from both diarrheic (n=110) and non- diarrheic (n=110) neonatal calves, aged between 1– 30 days from different part of Mosul city, Iraq. All faecal samples were analysed by capture direct ELISA kit. Results: Rotaviral infection was found in n=17 (15.5 % ) of 110 diarrheic calves and only 5 faecal samples (4.5 %) from 110 non-diarrheic animals .The prevalence of infection peaked in animals at 8 – 15 days of age. Conclusion: The data provides evidence for the role of rotavirus as a reason of neonatal calf diarrhoea in Mosul city, Iraq. [Vet World 2013; 6(8.000): 538-540]

Keywords

• calf
• diarrhoea
• prevalence
• rotavirus