Yousef Davoudi - Department of Veterinary, Sarab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sarab, Iran
Mohammad Nouri - Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Mohammad Rahim Haji Hajikolaie - Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Shobeir Yazdani Paraei - Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
Amir Javadi - Health Deputy of General Department of Veterinary Medicine in Qazvin Province, Qazvin, Iran
Saleh Esmaeilzadeh - Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

In November ۲۰۲۱, an investigation was conducted into an outbreak of abortion, stillbirth, and the birth of calves with congenital abnormalities (arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly) at a dairy farm in Dasht-e-Mughan city, Ardabil province. A total of ۷۰ cows experienced these issues. To determine the cause of the outbreak, post-mortem brain tissue samples were collected from two calves affected by hydranencephaly, which occurred shortly after their birth. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was conducted for multiple viruses, including bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), border disease, Akabane, Schmallenberg, and bluetongue viruses (BTVs). The samples were positive only for Akabane virus. Serum samples were collected from a group of ۶۰ cattle, consisting of ۴۵ adult cows and ۱۵ younger calves aged between ۸ to ۱۰ months. These samples were analyzed to detect the presence of antibodies against the Akabane and Schmallenberg viruses. Both of these viruses are known to be responsible for causing abortion, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities in calves. Among ۴۵ cows that tested by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), ۲۶.۶۶% and ۳۳.۳۳% exhibited antibodies against Akabane and Schmallenberg viruses, respectively. Notably, ۲۰.۰۰% of cows co-exhibited antibodies for both viruses. Despite PCR evidence implicating Akabane virus as the principal etiology of clinical signs observed in the affected herd, the high co-seropositivity to Schmallenberg virus, warrants a thorough investigation into potential viral interactions. Further research is required to determine the source of the virus and their transmission routes. This information could facilitate the refinement of disease control strategies and improving the management of reproductive challenges in such affected herds.

Akabane virus, Cattle, cELISA, RT-PCR, Schmallenberg