Indirect-ELISA based on recombinant Vp7 specific protein for sero-epidemiological investigation of Blue Tongue in small ruminants of Jammu province

The sero-epidemiological investigation on blue tongue was carried out from November 2007 to March 2008 in Jammu province. A total of 200 sera samples (61 from sheep and 139 from goat) were screened using indirect ELISA based on recombinant VP7 protein for detection of blue tongue virus group-specific antibody. An overall sero-prevalence of 29.5% was found, which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in goats (37.4%) as compared to sheep (11.5%). Adult animals showed greater sero-positivity; the difference between >2 years (33.3%) and 1–2 years (3.6%) age group in sheep being significant. The overall sero-prevalence was non-significantly higher, in females (31.8%) than males (26.4%); and in organized farms (34.1%) as compared to unorganized farms (28.3%). The prevalence in goats was highest in district Kathua (59.1%) followed by Udhampur (45.0%), Samba (32.4%) and Jammu (30.2%). In sheep, it was highest in Samba (25.0%) followed by Kathua (22.2%) and Udhampur (6.8%) districts.