Occurrence of Brucella abortus, Leptospira interrogans and bovine herpesvirus type 1 in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herd under extensive breeding system

The current study aimed to determine the occurrence of Brucella abortus, Leptospira interrogans and BoHV-1 in buffalo (bubalus bubalis) herd under extensive breeding system. In order to perform the study, blood samples were collected from 306 female buffaloes belonging to a rural property located in Sao Mateus County – MA. The samples were tested for the presence of specific antibodies. The number of samples collected in such property was estimated by taking under consideration a minimum prevalence of 6% for each infection, with confidence interval of 95%. Of the 306 analyzed female buffaloes’ serum samples, 70.58% were positive for one or more Leptospira interrogans serovars, with variable titers between 100 and 800. The most prevalent serovars in the current study were Pomona, Butembo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Sentoti, Copenhageni, Adamanda, Castelonis, Wolffi, Panama and Grippotyphosa. A BoHV-1 occurrence of 87.25% was identified in the evaluated animals. All animals in the study tested negative for brucellosis. The study results indicate that L. interrogans and BoHV-1 were widespread microorganisms within the assessed property and they may contribute to a decrease in the production and reproductive rates of the herd. Key words: Antibodies, BoHV-1, brucellosis, female buffaloes, leptospirosis.