The main objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate BHV-1 seroprevalence in a population of non-vaccinated cattle in Goiás State, Brazil, and to determine potential risk factors related to the seroprevalence. It was conducted from March to September, 2002. Serum samples were collected from 6,932 animals of 892 herds from 232 municipalities in Goiás. Sera were tested for antibodies against BHV-1 using the serum neutralization test. Information regarding animals and herds were recorded through a personal interview with the farmer or farmer manager. The data were analyzed using Epi Info 6.04 and Epi Info for Windows 3.01 programs. The seroprevalence was 51.9%. Eight hundred and seventy nine out of 892 herds (98.5%) had at least one seropositive animal, and all (100%) municipalities showed at least one herd/animal positive. Only age influenced the distribution of neutralization antibodies to this virus in animals. None of the exposure variables analyzed was considered as risk factors for the infection with BHV-1 in cattle herds. With these results we conclude that the infection is spread among cattle herds of municipalities in the state of Goiás.
bovines; bovine herpesvirus 1; serum neutralization; prevalence; risk factors
