Serum Electrolyte Concentrations in Zebu Cattle Affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Foot-and-mouth disease is an economically devastating viral infection that imposes substantial physiological stress on ruminants, yet its effects on serum electrolyte homeostasis in Nigerian cattle remain inadequately characterised. This study determined serum sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations in Zebu cattle confirmed seropositive for foot-and-mouth disease virus in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Sixty cattle comprising thirty infected and thirty healthy age-matched controls were sourced from affected herds identified through active disease surveillance. Serum samples were analysed by flame photometry and colorimetric methods at a government-certified veterinary laboratory in Jos. Infected cattle showed significant hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia relative to controls, consistent with reduced feed intake, ruminal stasis, and altered phosphorus recycling. Serum potassium was mildly elevated in the infected group, suggesting transcellular shifts secondary to cellular catabolism. Sodium and chloride concentrations remained within reference ranges in both groups, indicating preserved renal tubular reabsorptive function. The observed electrolyte disturbances have direct implications for supportive care protocols in field veterinary practice. This study recommends electrolyte supplementation as an adjunct to conventional FMD management in North Central Nigeria and calls for expanded biochemical surveillance in affected livestock populations. Keywords: foot-and-mouth disease, serum electrolytes, Zebu cattle, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria.