Estudo sorológico de Toxoplasma gondii e Schmallenberg virus em rebanhos caprinos no estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Schmallenberg virus in goat herds from rural properties located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Sixteen goat-raising/farming properties from eight cities in the Agreste, São Francisco, and Sertão do Semiárido mesoregions of Pernambuco state were included. A total of 368 blood serum samples were collected from adult male and female goats to evaluate the prevalence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using the Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction technique and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay technique for Schmallenberg virus. Of the animals analyzed, 15.48% (57/368) were positive for IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and 87.5% (14/16) of the farms studied had at least one positive animal. None of the 368 samples analyzed showed antibodies directed against SBV nucleoprotein. The results obtained update the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii and Schmallenberg virus in goat herds in the state of Pernambuco. Schmallenberg virus is not a major agent in the Pernambuco goat herds studied, despite clinical evidence compatible with this virus. Toxoplasma gondii continues to occur endemic in goats in the state of Pernambuco, posing risks to animal and public health.