Detection of Bluetongue Virus Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Central Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Bluetongue (BT) is a non-contagous arthorpbpd-born viral infection transmitted by insects, particularly biting midges of the Culicoides species, and can affect wild and domestic ruminants, including sheep, goats,cattels, deer, elk, and camales. This study aims to determine the prevalence of BTV antibodies in camels reared in central Sudan and the potential risk factors contributing to its epidemiology. A total of 184 blood samples were collected between November 2014 and May 2015 from six localities in Khartoum state in Sudan using multi-stage random sampling. The sampled farms' characteristics and management factors were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire. Serology for BTV antibody detection was performed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Our findings indicated a high prevalence of circulating BTV. antibodies in camels' sera (66.8%, 95% CI = 0.6–0.73). Camels raised on farms were more likely to contract the disease (OR = 0.424, CI = 0.223–1.071, p-value = 0.040) than camels bought from the market or other farms. The presence of other animals in the camels' herds, such as sheep, goats, and cattle, has increased the risk of infection with diseases compared to camels that are reared alone in the farms (OR = 0.176, CI = 0.43–0.771, p-value = 0.016). The high BTV seroprevalence indicates the endemicity of BTV, the risk of previous exposure, and the potentiality for BTV Transmission among asymptomatic camels. Control measurements, including vector control, trade restriction, and vaccination, are recommended to protect vulnerable animal species from BTV infection.