Neutralizing antibodies against Simbu serogroup viruses in cattle and sheep, Nigeria, 2012-2014.

The findings of this study reveal that following the early isolation of Simbu serogroup viruses in Nigeria in the 1960s, members of this virus group are still circulating in the country. Specifically, SBV, SIMV and SHAV or closely related viruses infect cattle and sheep across the three vegetation zones of Nigeria suggesting that insect vector activity is extensive in the country. The exact vegetation zone where the animals became exposed to the viruses could, however, not be determined in this study.