Abstract

Objective: The current research aims to elucidate the recent situation regarding Pestivirus infection among different age groups, sexes, and breeds of goats and sheep in northern Saudi Arabia.
Materials and Methods: 850 serum samples representing 594 sheep and 256 goats were collected at the slaughterhouse in Rafha city.
Results: Using enzyme-linked Immune Assay, the overall detected seroprevalence in sheep and goats was 24.5%; it was 30.5% in goats and 21.9% in sheep. The detected seroprevalence was higher in goats than in sheep, in females than in males, and in adults than in young. According to the breeds, the highest prevalence (47%) was observed in the Naime breed. Pearson chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between infection and animal species (p < 0.008), sex (p < 0.003), and breed (p < 0.000).
Conclusion: The prevalence of Pestivirus in sheep and goats appears to be increasing in the Northern region and throughout the country.

Key words: Pestivirus; Sheep; Goats; Risk factors; Saudi Arabia