Abstract

Objective: This study focused on Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and aimed to investigate its presence in cattle herds from five provinces of the Casablanca–Settat region of Morocco (Benslimane, Settat, Berrechid, El Jadida, and Sidi Bennour) that were experiencing respiratory and reproductive disorders. Detection of BVDV was performed using antigen capture ELISA and real-time RT-PCR assays. Materials and methods: From January 2021 to June 2025, a total of 500 blood serum samples and 500 leukocyte samples were collected from cattle exhibiting respiratory and abortive symptoms. The serum samples were analyzed for BVDV antigens using antigen capture ELISA assay, while the leukocyte samples were tested for the BVDV genome using real-time RT-PCR. Results: Out of 500 cattle sampled, 9 (1.8%) were positive for BVDV antigens, all of which were confirmed by RT-PCR, indicating active infection. Positive cases were distributed across four provinces, with the highest proportion in Benslimane (44.4% of positives), followed by Settat and Berrechid (22.2% each), and El Jadida (11.1%). No cases were detected in Sidi Bennour. Conclusion: This study provides the first documented evidence of BVDV infection in Morocco, suggesting that the virus is likely endemic in the region. The findings underscore the need for further research to isolate and characterize circulating BVDV strains. This will be crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies to mitigate the impact of BVDV on cattle health and productivity

Key words: Morocco, Casablanca-Settat region, bovine viral diarrhea, BVDV, cattle, ELISA, RT-PCR