Bluetongue antibody in Botswana's domestic and game animals

Abstract

Bluetongue precipitating antibody was demonstrated in sera of cattle, camels, sheep, goats and seven game species. Of the domestic species the percentage of sera positive were; cattle 92%, camels 81%, goats 83% and sheep 36%. Sheep sera, unlike those of other domestic species, varied greatly from area to area in the percentage positive. Seroconversions were recorded in adult sheep between September and April. In adult cattle there was a gradual decline in the percentage positive with increasing age. Positive reactions were recorded in the following game species: impala (Aepyceros melampus), lechwe (Kobus leche), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), gemsbok (Oryx gazella), springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) and tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus).