Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Rift Valley Fever in Livestock and Human Populations at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Plateau State

This study conducts an empirical seroepidemiological investigation of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in livestock and human populations at wildlife-livestock interface zones in Plateau State, located in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. RVF is a zoonotic arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes and Culex mosquitoes that causes abortions, haemorrhagic fever, and death in livestock and humans, and constitutes a significant but underrecognised public health threat in Nigeria's Middle Belt. Using a cross-sectional design, serum samples were collected from 320 cattle, 200 sheep and goats, and 150 high-risk human occupational groups (abattoir workers, farmers, and veterinarians) in communities adjacent to four wildlife-livestock interface areas. ELISA was used to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against RVFV. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors independently associated with seroprevalence. The study addresses the gap in RVFV epidemiological data for the North Central zone. Findings revealed livestock IgG seroprevalence of 21 percent in cattle and 16 percent in small ruminants, and human seroprevalence of 11 percent among high-risk groups. Proximity to wetlands, history of abortion storms, and contact with foetal fluids were the strongest independent risk factors in both livestock and human models. The study recommends surveillance intensification at wildlife-livestock interfaces, human serological monitoring, and vector control measures particularly during the rainy season in Plateau State. Keywords: Rift Valley fever, seroprevalence, wildlife-livestock interface, Plateau State, zoonosis.