Serological evidence of bluetongue in game animals in Botswana

Using the Agar Gel Precipitin technique the sera of 397 African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and 90 sera of other common game species were examined for bluetongue antibodies. Of the adult buffalo 283 out of 325 (87 per cent) were positive. Buffalo calves were positive in 25 out of 72 cases (35 per cent). Positive reactions were also recorded in lechwe (Kobus leche), tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus), red hartebeeste (Alcelaphus buselaphus), gemsbok (Oryx gazella), sable (Hippotragus niger) and impala (Aepyceros melampus).