Antibody detection against Akabane (AKA) and Bluetongue (BT) viruses in Algerian dromedary camels

Abstract

In this study, blood samples collected from dromedary camels in the Algerian provinces of Laghouat and Ghardaia, whichwere kept in the same pastures and in the same herds with sheep and goats, were examined to detect antibodies to the Bluetongue (BT)and Akabane (AKA) viruses using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and serum neutralization tests, respectively. Overall, 16 (14.4%)and 2 (1.8%) of 111 tested camel serum samples were seropositive for the BT virus (BTV) and the AKA virus (AKAV), respectively. Thepresent study determined that BTV infection was prevalent in camels in Algeria, and antibodies to the AKAV were also detected for thefirst time in Algerian camels.