Sieroprevalenza di anticorpi per Border Disease Virus (BDV) in ovini siciliani

Border Disease is a disease of sheep caused by a pestivirus characterized by abortions, infertility and retarded growth. The related economic losses lead to follow an early diagnosis and an infection monitoring especially in Sicily which rural economy is mainly based on sheep and goats breedings. The aim of the study reported here was to evaluate the presence of antibody to BDV in sheep breading in Sicily. 600 serum samples coming from 12 sheep farms were screened. The detection of antibodies was made by seroneutralization test using PEB cell line (Bovine Embryonal Lung). Cells were maintained in D-MEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. 207 specimens (34,5%) were positive. In 9 farms (75%) positive animals were detected with percentages ranging from 12 to 45%. Our results let us to suppose a wide spread of BDV in Sicilian flocks and to suggest that such virus must be considered by veterinary practioners as a possible cause of neonatal pathology in sheep.