Serological evidence of coronavirus infection in mithuns (Bos frontalis) from India
S Rajkhowa1, C Rajkhowa, G C Hazarika
1National Research Centre on Mithun, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Jharnapani, Nagaland 797 106, India.
Abstract:
Studies conducted on mithuns at the National Research Centre on Mithun, and mithuns found in free-ranging conditions in Nagaland, India, revealed that the overall prevalence of antibodies to coronavirus was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 77-83) when detected by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The highest seroprevalence (92%; 95% CI 89-95) was found in mithuns above three years of age, and the lowest (53%; 95% CI 36-70) in mithuns of 7 to 12 months old (P = 0.00005). The study also revealed a higher degree of positivity (++++) in mithuns above three years old than in those below one year. No statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between male (80%; 95% CI 75-85) and female mithuns (80%; 95% CI 76-84). The seroprevalence was found to be higher (92%; 95% CI 89-95) in mithuns reared in semi-intensive systems compared with those kept under free-ranging conditions (56%; 95% CI 49-63; P = 0.003). This is probably the first serological evidence of coronavirus infection in mithuns. The possible role of adults in the epidemiology of coronavirus infection in mithuns is also discussed.
Insights
Coronavirus antibodies are highly prevalent in mithuns, particularly older animals and those in semi-intensive systems. This study provides the first serological evidence of coronavirus infection in this unique bovine species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Virology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Coronaviruses are a significant concern in animal health.
- Mithuns (Bos frontalis) are semi-domesticated bovines found in Northeast India.
- Limited serological data exists for coronavirus infections in mithuns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of coronavirus antibodies in mithuns.
- To investigate age- and management-related differences in seroprevalence.
- To provide the first serological evidence of coronavirus infection in mithuns.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect coronavirus antibodies.
- Studies were conducted on mithuns at the National Research Centre on Mithun and in free-ranging conditions in Nagaland.
- Data was analyzed for differences based on age, sex, and rearing systems.
Main Results:
- Overall coronavirus antibody seroprevalence was 80% in mithuns.
- Seroprevalence was highest in mithuns over three years old (92%) and lowest in those 7-12 months old (53%).
- Mithuns in semi-intensive systems (92%) showed higher seroprevalence than free-ranging ones (56%).
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first serological evidence of coronavirus infection in mithuns.
- Age and rearing system significantly influence coronavirus seroprevalence in mithuns.
- Adult mithuns may play a role in the epidemiology of coronavirus infections.
