# Seroprevalence and risk factors of epizootic hemorrhagic disease and bluetongue in Northwestern Tunisia: a comprehensive seroepidemiological study

## TL;DR

This study examines the spread and risk factors of two diseases in cattle in northern Tunisia, finding high infection rates and age as a key risk factor.

## Contribution

The study provides the first comprehensive seroepidemiological analysis of EHD in Tunisia and identifies age as a significant risk factor for both EHD and BT.

## Key findings

- EHD and BT seroprevalence in cattle was 51.2% and 81% at the individual level, respectively.
- Age was the only significant risk factor for both EHD and BT seroprevalence.
- Local animal husbandry practices did not influence the disease dynamics.

## Abstract

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and Bluetongue (BT) are vector-borne diseases that commonly circulate among wild and domestic ruminants. The epidemiological situation of EHD in Tunisia remains poorly documented, despite several studies having been conducted on BT. To assess the seroprevalence of the EHD and BT in northern Tunisia, 394 bovine serum samples were collected and tested for anti-VP7 antibodies using a competitive ELISA. The seroprevalence of EHD and BT at the individual level was estimated 51.2% and 81% respectively. Herd-level seroprevalence reached 93% for EHD and 100% for BT. No statistically significant differences in prevalence were observed between governorates for EHD (p-value = 0.169). However, the prevalence of BT across governorates was found to be statistically significant (p-value = 0.00000). A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for EHD and BT. The final model revealed the only significant risk factor identified for both EHD and BT seroprevalence was age. Local animal husbandry practices and herd management were not found to be associated with the dynamics of the two diseases. The findings of this study highlight the geographical extent of the disease in the northwestern region and its associated risk factors. It is therefore imperative that further investigations be conducted on vectors and their abudance in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-025-05160-6.