Seroepidemiological survey of sheep in Carinthia for the dissemination of ruminant pestiviruses

In this study serological investigations were performed to determine the prevalence of pestiviral infections in sheep in one Federal State of Austria, namely Carinthia. 1527 blood samples from sheep in 147 flocks were collected and tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and virus-neutralisation tests for antibodies to ruminant pestiviruses. The estimated flock prevalence was 47.6%, the individual prevalence 16.3%. Significant geographical variations in the flock as well in the individual prevalence were found. The highest prevalence in sheep and in sheep flocks was established in the region Spittal/Drau with 25.9% and 69.7%.The individual and the flock prevalence was significantly higher on farms where cattle or sheep from other farms were present than on farms with no cattle (p < 0.017). All Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay positive sera were tested for Bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 (strain NADL), Bovine viral diarrhea virus-2 (strain 125) and for Border disease virus (strain MOREDUN) by virus neutralisation tests. Seventy out of 249 positive samples revealed the highest titres (> or = two-fold) to Bovine viral diarrhea virus-1 and 25 to Border disease virus. The remaining positive samples did not show clear results because of cross reactions.