Serological prevalence of Oestrus ovis infestation in Burkina Faso: an estimate using ELISA testing

Abstract

Sera from 421 Djallonke and Sahelian Bali Bali sheep from Burkina Faso were analyzed with ELISA tests using a crude antigen from stage 2 (L2) larvae of Oestrus ovis. Seropositive mean prevalence was 86.3 % with no significant difference between both breeds. In Sahelian and Djallonke sheep optical densities (OD) were, at most, 450 % and 250 % higher, respectively, than those in control seropositive animals. In addition, a few Sahelian sheep displayed very high seropositivity (OD intensity compared to that of positive control animals), whereas seropositivity intensity was more homogenously distributed in Djallonke sheep. This study emphasizes the importance and usefulness of ELISA method of detection. It confirms the high prevalence of Oestrus ovis infestation in healthy animals, which would justify the use of strategic controls.