SEROLOGIC SURVEY FOR ANTIBODIES TO IBR IP V VIRUS IN CATTLE IN NEW-CALEDONIA

A sero-epidemiological survey conducted in New Caledonia in 1991 on 24 32 sera, showed a high rate of IBR/IPV infection in animals (45.8 +/- 2 p. cent). This rate of infection is higher in reproducing animals, e specially bulls, which suggests the existence of IPV type Viruses. The rate of infection is lower in small rearing herds than in larger herd s. Also infection seems to be greater in those rearing herds which hav e imported animals from Australia or New Zealand. The mixing between h erds native to the islands does not appear to alter the rate of infect ion. There seems to be no reason, at present, to vaccinate livestock, but this could be considered for herds which exhibit symptoms of IBR/I PV infection. Methods of prophylaxis on animals and genetic material u sed for exportation could become necessary.