Seroprevalence of bluetongue disease virus (BTV) among domestic ruminants in Kosovo and first record of BTV serotype 4 in sheep

The objective of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence and serotype of bluetongue virus (BTV) in domestic ruminants in different regions in Kosovo, in years 2014 and 2015. A total of 905 blood sera were analysed: 633 from sheep, 204 from cattle and 68 from goats, collected in 170 farms, 88 villages in 18 municipalities. All samples were analysed with c-ELISA for detection of BTV seroprevalence. From sheep with clinical signs samples were collected and were analysed with specific RT-PCR. Out of all 905 samples analysed with c-ELISA, 105 samples (11.6%) were seropositive (53 ovine, 39 bovine and 13 caprine). The 43 samples from sheep with clinical sings for bluetongue disease were confirmed by RT-PCR, and BTV-4 serotype was identified. The results indicated high seroprevalence of BTV in domestic ruminants, evidence of BTV-4 serotype in sheep, suggesting a need to strengthen national and regional scientific efforts and control strategy to meet the global challenge of this infectious disease.