The serological investigation of akabane virus (AKAV) in Mugla and Aydin provinces

Akabane virus (AKAV), belongs to genus of Orthobunyavirinae in family of Bunyaviridae, causes aborts, premature births, stillborns and congenital abnormalities (arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly syndrome (AH)). Transmission of AKAV is occured by hematogenous mosquitoes. To our study, any serological studies have not been performed on widely areas in Mugla and Aydin provinces albeit presence of AKAV has been known. To have information about the current condition of AKAV in these provinces is important, in terms of considering of dissemination and presuming of condition of infection in the future. In this dissertation study; the presence of AKAV antibodies was investigated among the 200 cattle, 45 camels, 81 sheep and 49 goats. For this purpose, the collected blood sera in 2012/2013 (excluding camel blood sera samples which had been collected in 2010) from mentioned animal species were tested by commercial Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kit (ID®screen Akabane Virus Competition Antibody ELISA Test Kit, IDVET Diagnostics, Montpellier, France) to detect of the presence of AKAV antibodies in Mugla and Aydin provinces.No presence of AKAV spesific antibodies were detected in tested 375 blood sera at the result of study. This result is positive condition in terms of AKAV for Mugla and Aydin Provinces. The assessment of that AKAV has passive condition in these provinces may be considered at the present. Although the presence of AKAV antibody has not been detected, risk of reemerging of AKAV infection is still present. Especially, presences of hematogenous mosquitoes and other arboviruses (i.e. west nile virus, bluetongue virus) in these provinces are pointed out the requirement of methods of protection and control, once more time.