Prevalence of bovine coronavirus infection in organized dairy farms of Central and North regions, India

An epidemiological study was conducted for investigation of bovine coronavirus by antigen Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in dairy calves from Central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states) and North India (Uttar Pradesh state). Different epidemiological parameters like age, parity, colour and consistency of faecal materials and seasonal changes in a year were recorded. A total of 816 faecal samples were screened and out of which 7 (0.85%) animals were found to be positive for bovine coronavirus. The higher prevalence was recorded in north India followed by central India. Age wise higher prevalence was recorded below 2 month calves. Seasonally, the prevalence of coronavirus infection was higher in monsoon season and in first parity of calves as compared to other season and parity. Prevalence of coronavirus infection was higher in watery diarrhoea faecal materials than pasty yellow colour diarrhoea. The observations of the present study would provide the basis for further an effective explorative surveillance and epidemiological studies to know the real impact of coronavirus infection with associated risk factors in dairy calves of India.