article · Veterinary Medicine and Science
Rift Valley fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection affecting livestock trade and productivity, as well as human health. A cross-sectional investigation assessed the presence of antibodies against the virus and evaluated related risk factors among small ruminants in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Ninety-six blood samples were collected alongside animal data and local flooding history. Testing with a commercial competitive multispecies ELISA kit revealed an overall antibody seroprevalence of 47.9 percent across the sampled population. Sheep had a higher seroprevalence than goats, with elevated rates also observed in female animals, young livestock, and animals located in flooded areas. Age, sex, and proximity to flood-prone zones were confirmed as statistically significant risk factors, demonstrating widespread prior exposure to the virus among small ruminants in this urban area.
Rift Valley fever causes severe livestock losses, such as abortions and deaths in young animals, and can transmit to humans. Identifying that nearly half of sampled sheep and goats show signs of exposure helps veterinary authorities understand local transmission dynamics and highlights the heightened risk associated with flood-prone urban environments.
The findings provide baseline epidemiological data that can guide veterinary health agencies and livestock programme managers in targeting surveillance and vector control interventions. Because the study relies on standard diagnostic testing to report seroprevalence rather than developing a new product, the abstract does not indicate a direct commercialisation pathway or commercial product readiness level.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
BACKGROUND: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites commonly reported in low- to medium-income countries such as Nigeria. It impacts livestock productivity and trade, causing abortions and high rates of mortality, particularly among young animals. OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the presence of RVF virus antibodies (anti-RVFV IgG antibodies) and to identify related risk factors in small ruminants within Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. METHODS: Ninety-six blood samples were collected; information on species, age and sex of the animals was recorded; history of flooding was assessed based on farmer report and observation. The study used a commercial ELISA kit (competitive, multispecies) to identify the presence of RVF virus antibodies, in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. RESULTS: This study established an overall seroprevalence of RVFV antibodies of 47.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.9-57.9) in small ruminants. The prevalence rate for sheep was higher (52.1%) compared to goats (43.8%). Females (68.6%), young animals (51.2%) and places flooded (68.3%) showed a higher seroprevalence. The findings indicate that age (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.2), sex (OR:2.8; 95% CI: 1.2-6.2) and proximity to flood-prone areas (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.3) were significant (p ≤ 0.05) risk factors for the RVF virus. CONCLUSION: The studies indicate previous exposure and potential epidemiological role of small ruminants in RVF virus transmission in Maiduguri Metropolis. It is recommended that regular monitoring and effective surveillance be carried out; mosquito vector populations be regulated during flooding or rainy seasons and the public be informed about the disease's impact on humans, livestock and the economy.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.71009
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
