Vaccínia bovina no estado de Minas Gerais, 2005-2007

Abstract

This study aimed to find factors related to the clinical epidemiology of bovine vaccinia in Minas Gerais. A case-control study was structured and 25 cases and 47 controls properties were visited. Data were collected from January-2005 to December-2007. In each of the sampledproperties a questionnaire was applied in order to obtain information on the characteristics of the form of production and management, clinical aspects of the disease, such as introduction of the disease and presence of domestic and wild animals. Clinical cases were screened and factors involved in disease transmission properties were searched. Samples of blood serum and injured epithelium were collected and submitted to SN test and PCR, respectively. In some properties the curve of neutralizing antibodies was monitored in sick cows for 12 to 14 months. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was investigated in healthy cows and their calves in the control properties. Neutralizing antibodies to Orthopoxvirus were identified from cases andcontrols herds. One model to explain the occurrence of the disease has been constructed by multiple logistic regression analysis. The use of disinfecting hands-tits was identified as a protective factor and the variables milk transport on trucks (in steel cans) ", and number ofdairy cows were identified as risk factors. Measures to prevent and control were proposed.