ASSESSMENT OF CONTAGIOUS BOVINE PLEUROPNEUMONIA ANTIBODY TITRES AT THE TEACHING AND RESEARCH FARM FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and antibody titres of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle at the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. A total of 75 blood samples were collected from 15 cattle over a 5-week period and analyzed using the Slide Agglutination Test (SAT). The degree of agglutination was quantified based on a percentage, with results recorded as a ratio (e.g., 1:65, 1:56, 1:125), where ratios ranging from 1:01 to 1:65 were considered negative, and those exceeding 1:66 were deemed positive. The results showed a low overall seroprevalence of 2.67% with a significant difference between male and female cattle (p value = 0.02). Female cattle had higher antibody titres than male cattle (p-value = 0.03), indicating a better immune response. The study attributes the low seroprevalence to good veterinary services, access to quality vaccines, strict quarantine, and effective herd movement control. The study confirms the absence of CBPP at the farm, highlighting the importance of effective management practices in controlling the disease.