Herpesvírus bovino-1 em touros de uma central de sêmen: soroneutralização e isolamento no sênem

Abstract

Infection by BHV-l in bulls of a Brazilian insemination centre was investigated by viral isolation from semen in cell culture (MDBK) and serum neutralization tests. Paired sêmen and serum samples from 40 bulls (60-day interval) and a single serum and semen samples from 21 bulls were examined. Specific antibody was detected in 37 (60,7%) bulls. BHV-1 was detected in 20 (19,8%) semen samples. Correlation among serologic results and virus isolation was not found. Techniques used showed be costly, labourious and time consuming, although sensitive enough to enable the isolation of HVB-1 &om a great number of bulls. Altemative methods must be developed in order to overcome the drawbacks related to time and cost. The examination of aH semen samples for HVB-1 prior to commercialization is strongly indicated.