STUDY OF AKABANE INFECTION IN SAUDI-ARABIA BY THE USE OF SENTINEL RUMINANTS

Two sentinel herds of calves (Eastern and Central regions of Saudi Ara bia) and one of sheep and goats (South Western region) were establishe d to study Akabane virus infection. The herd at the Al-Ahsa oasis (Eas tern region) showed evidence of Akabane viral activity, as reflected b y the presence of maternal (colostral) antibody, which had waned to in significant concentrations Ly the time the cah es had reached the age of 5 months. There was no evidence of subsequent seroconversion. The o ther two sentinel herds gave no indication of Akabane viral activity. (C) 1998 W.B. Saunders Company Limited.