Epidemiological Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus Exposure among Sheep and Goats in South Korea

Background: Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is an arthropod-borne classified as a type species of the genus Ephemerovirus, family Rhabdoviridae. BEFV causative agent bovine (BEF), non-contagious disease acute febrile clinical signs in cattle and water buffalo. Some might act reservoir hosts, antibodies to have also been found asymptomatic sheep, goats, pigs, many wild animals. This study aimed conduct retrospective cross-sectional serological screening South Korea address seroprevalence identify risk factors for becoming seropositive sheep goats. Materials, Methods & Results: The apparent prevalence rates were considered be animal-level prevalence, defined proportion serum neutralization test (SNT)-positive animals out total number tested area, flock was SNT-positive flocks area. A positive if at least one animal SNT-positive. At national level 2011, 28 177 (15.8%; 95% CI, 11.2−21.9%) 71 498 heads (14.3%, CI: 11.5-17.6%) that analyzed showed neutralizing against BEFV. Our results revealed age class, vector control, geographic location affected differing extents. In univariate analysis, older significant factor (OR, 2.327; 1.147-4.721; P = 0.017 adults). management attributes preventive measures, such routine application insecticides farms, decreased odds seropositivity 0.514; 0.267-0.991; 0.044). Vector control protective factor, while species, size, structure not significantly associated. Differences between variations presence ruminant lakes, or rice paddies within 1-km radius land use statistically (P > 0.05). We observed difference individual likelihood being southern provinces with respect northern 2.166; 1.228-3.824; 0.007). eastern western regions widely distributed goats Korea, ranging from 7.8% 19.7% 2003 2008.Discussion: first report circulating Korea. infection different cohorts, geographical locations: it higher group Determination often leads understanding circulation dynamics useful formulation measures. demonstrated factor; therefore, summer vectors could better implemented elevated rates. this may serve basis future epidemiological studies on