Serological evaluation of relationship between viral pathogens (BHV-1, BVDV,BRSV, PI-3V,and Adeno3) and dairy calf pneumonia by indirect ELISA

In this study, viral pathogens associated with nine outbreaks of naturally occurring dairy calf pneumonia in Mashhad area of Khorasan Razavi province from September 2008 to May 2009 were assessed. Five diseased calves from each farm were chosen for examination. Acute and convalescent serum samples were taken from calves with signs of respiratory disease. Sera were analyzed for antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI-3V), and bovine adenovirus-3 (BAV-3) by indirect ELISA kits. Among 42 serum samples collected at sample 1, seroprevalence values for viruses BHV-1, BVDV, BRSV, PI-3V, and BAV-3 were 61.9% (26), 57.1% (24), 64.2% (27), 90% (38), and 61.9% (26), respectively. Seroconversion to BVDV, BRSV, PI-3V, and BAV-3 occurred in 11.9% (5), 16.6% (7), 26.1% (11), and 21.4% (9) of animals, and 52.3% (22) had generated antibodies against one or more viral infections at sample 2. In addition, no significant relationship between seroprevalence of BHV-1, BVDV, BRSV, PI-3V, and BAV-3 and dairy herd size was observed (P > 0.05). According to serological findings, BHV-1, BVDV, BRSV, PI-3V, and BAV-3 are common pathogens of the dairy calf pneumonia in dairy herds in Mashhad area of Khorasan Razavi province, Iran.     

Bovine viral diarrhea viral infections in feeder calves with respiratory disease: interactions with Pasteurella spp., parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus.

The prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections was determined in a group of stocker calves suffering from acute respiratory disease. The calves were assembled after purchase from Tennessee auctions and transported to western Texas. Of the 120 calves, 105 (87.5%) were treated for respiratory disease. Sixteen calves died during the study (13.3%). The calves received a modified live virus BHV-1 vaccine on day 0 of the study. During the study, approximately 5 wk in duration, sera from the cattle, collected at weekly intervals, were tested for BVDV by cell culture. Sera were also tested for neutralizing antibodies to BVDV types 1 and 2, bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3V), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). The lungs from the 16 calves that died during the study were collected and examined by histopathology, and lung homogenates were inoculated onto cell cultures for virus isolation. There were no calves persistently infected with BVDV detected in the study, as no animals were viremic on day 0, nor were any animals viremic at the 2 subsequent serum collections. There were, however, 4 animals with BVDV type 1 noncytopathic (NCP) strains in the sera from subsequent collections. Viruses were isolated from 9 lungs: 7 with PI-3V, 1 with NCP BVDV type 1, and 1 with both BVHV-1 and BVDV. The predominant bacterial species isolated from these lungs was Pasteurella haemolytica serotype 1. There was serologic evidence of infection with BVDV types 1 and 2, PI-3V, and BRSV, as noted by seroconversion (> or = 4-fold rise in antibody titer) in day 0 to day 34 samples collected from the 104 survivors: 40/104 (38.5%) to BVDV type 1; 29/104 (27.9%) to BVDV type 2; 71/104 (68.3%) to PI-3V; and 81/104 (77.9%) to BRSV. In several cases, the BVDV type 2 antibody titers may have been due to crossreacting BVDV type 1 antibodies; however, in 7 calves the BVDV type 2 antibodies were higher, indicating BVDV type 2 infection. At the outset of the study, the 120 calves were at risk (susceptible to viral infections) on day 0 because they were seronegative to the viruses: 98/120 (81.7%), < 1:4 to BVDV type 1; 104/120 (86.7%) < 1:4 to BVDV type 2; 86/120 (71.7%) < 1:4 to PI-3V; 87/120 (72.5%) < 1:4 to BRSV; and 111/120 (92.5%) < 1:10 to BHV-1. The results of this study indicate that BVDV types 1 and 2 are involved in acute respiratory disease of calves with pneumonic pasteurellosis. The BVDV may be detected by virus isolation from sera and/or lung tissues and by serology. The BVDV infections occurred in conjunction with infections by other viruses associated with respiratory disease, namely, PI-3V and BRSV. These other viruses may occur singly or in combination with each other. Also, the study indicates that purchased calves may be highly susceptible, after weaning, to infections by BHV-1, BVDV types 1 and 2, PI-3V, and BRSV early in the marketing channel.     

Serological and molecular diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhoea virus and evidence of other viral infections in dairy calves with respiratory disease in Venezuela

An investigation based on 2 studies was carried out to assess the involvement of bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) in calf respiratory disease in dairy farms in Venezuela. In the first study, 8 farms were selected and paired serum samples from 42 calves with respiratory disease were tested by ELISA for antibodies to the 3 viruses. Seroconversion to BVDV, BHV-1, and BRSV was found to 5, 2, and 6 farms out of the 8, respectively. The proportion of calves that showed seroconversion to BVDV, BHV-1, and BRSV were 19%, 14%, and 26%, respectively. In the second study, another farm having previous serological evidence of BVDV infection was selected. The decline of maternal antibodies against BVDV was monitored in 20 calves and the half-life of maternal antibodies was 34 +/- 12 days presumably indicating an early natural infection with BVDV. Furthermore, sera free of BVDV antibodies that were collected in studies 1 and 2 and were assayed for the presence of BVDV by nested RT-PCR. Two BVDV strains were detected and compared to those of ruminant and porcine pestiviruses. Both strains were assigned to subgroup Ib of type I BVDV. This investigation provides information on BVDV genotypes circulating in Venezuela and may contribute to the establishment of official control programmes against the viruses studied.     

Seroprevalence of bovine respiratory viruses in North-Western Turkey

Bovine respiratory disease complex is a very important health problem around the world. Present study describes serological distribution of bovine major respiratory viruses in non -vaccinated cattle population of Marmara region in north-western Turkey. Neutralising antibodies specific to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (PI-3), bovine adenovirus serotype 1 (BAV-1) and serotype 3 (BAV-3) were investigated. Among 584 serum samples collected from 39 establishments in 7 provinces, 41.4% were positive for BVDV, 17.1% for BHV-1, 73.0% for BRSV, 43.0% for PI-3, 89.5% for BAV-1 and 92.3% for BAV-3. There were significant differences observed between seroprevalence rates detected in neighbouring provinces. Serological prevalence of BVDV, BHV-1 and BRSV were extremely higher in large capacity dairy farms than of small capacity farms (p < 0.0001). This study demonstrates that herd capacity is a very important risk factor for respiratory viruses and, on the other hand bovine adenoviruses and BRSV are the common reason of respiratory diseases in the region.     

A seroepidemiological study of the importance in cow-calf pairs of respiratory and enteric viruses in beef operations from northwestern Quebec.

Serum antibody analyses for bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), and bovine rotavirus (BRV) were performed on 527 randomly selected cows, before calving, and on 407 three-week-old calves. In cows and calves, BCV and BRV were the most seroprevalent viruses (80% to 100% according to virus and vaccination status). Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was the least seroprevalent in the cows, independent of the vaccination status. In nonvaccinated cows the seroprevalence to BRSV was 36.7%, and 53.5% in cows vaccinated less than two weeks prior to collecting blood, and 67.6% in cows vaccinated two weeks or more prior to blood collection. In their calves, BHV-1 was the least seroprevalent, independent of the vaccination status. The serological status and antibody titers in calves were generally associated with those of the dam. The occurrence of respiratory diseases in the calves was associated with cow and calf serological profiles (BHV-1, BRSV and BCV in the nonvaccinated group, BHV-1, BVDV and BCV in the vaccinated group). The occurrence of diarrhea was not associated with cow and calf serological profiles but was negatively associated with high level calf serum IgG in the nonvaccinated group (odds ratio = 0.73). Bovine coronavirus and BRV were shed by 1.4% and 4.9% of calves in the nonvaccinated group, and by 0% and 9.9% of calves in the vaccinated group, respectively. Bovine rotavirus shedding was associated with fecal diarrheic consistency at the moment of fecal sampling but not with previous occurrence of diarrhea.     

Antibody prevalence against respiratory viruses in sheep and goats in North-Western Turkey

Respiratory viruses may infect both small and large ruminant species, and can be transmitted among those of species. Present study reports presence and serological distribution of bovine respiratory viral infections in sheep and goats in Marmara region of Turkey. Total of 388 sera, 228 from sheep and 160 from goats collected from 4 provinces were analysed. Neutralising antibodies specific to BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV, PI-3, BAV-1 and BAV-3 were investigated. Among 388 serum samples 32.1% were positive for BVDV, 23.0% for BHV-1, 72.9% for BRSV, 13.2% for PI-3, 86.0% for BAV-1 and 93.0% for BAV-3. There were significant differences observed between seroprevalence rates detected in neighbouring provinces. Prevalence of BVDV specific antibodies was extremely higher (p = 0.0009) in sheep, however, BHV-1 (p = 0.0001) and PI-3 (p = 0.0038) were more prevalent in goats. BRSV antibody prevalence was closely related to data obtained from cattle. This study demonstrates that, like in cattle herds, BRSV and adenoviruses are the possible common reason of respiratory diseases in small ruminants in the region.     

The role of acidogenic diets and beta-hydroxybutyate on lymphocyte proliferation and serum antibody response against bovine respiratory viruses in Holstein steers

Acidogenic diets were evaluated for their effects on lymphocyte proliferation in response to Staphylococcus aureus exotoxin B (SEB), and specific lymphocyte proliferation and serum-neutralizing antibody titers to four bovine respiratory viruses in vitro. Four Holstein steer calves, with an average weight of 213 +/- 42 kg, were fed a basal (control) diet consisting of 49% forage and 51% concentrate (DM basis), with 15% CP (on a DM basis). Three additional treatment diets were used: 1) the basal diet supplemented with 700 mL/d of butylene glycol (BG) to induce ketoacidosis by increasing blood beta-hydroxybutyate (BHBA); 2) the basal diet supplemented with 1.2 +/- 0.1 kg/d of anionic salts (AS; Soychor 16.7, West Central Soy, Ralston, IA) to induce a metabolic acidosis; and 3) the basal diet with all forage replaced by finely ground corn and soybean meal blended to provide 15% CP (HG), to induce lactic acidosis. The calves were fed each diet for 21 d in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Blood samples were collected on d 18, 19, and 20 of each 21-d period and analyzed for pH; concentrations of BHBA; in vitro lymphocyte proliferation to SEB, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), parainfluenza-3 (PI-3), and bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1); and titers of serum-neutralizing antibodies against the four viruses. Following treatment, the average pH of the serum samples was 7.38 for calves fed the control diet, 7.37 for the BG treatment, and 7.36 for the HG treatment, and was decreased (P < 0.05) to 7.33 for the AS treatment. All acidogenic diets decreased lymphocyte response to SEB (P < 0.05). The lymphocyte proliferative response, however, of each virus showed a different pattern of interaction with the three acidogenic diets tested. The AS diet was associated with increased lymphocyte proliferative response to BVDV and BRSV (P < 0.01) and increased serum neutralization titers to BHV-1 (P < 0.05). In calves fed the BHBA-inducing diet (BG), an increase in lymphocyte proliferation to BRSV was observed (P < 0.05). A similar relationship to blood BHBA concentration was not observed with the lymphocyte proliferation to BVDV, PI-3, or BHV-1. Titers of serum-neutralizing antibody against PI3 (P < 0.05) and BHV-1 (P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with blood pH, and titers of serum neutralizing antibodies to BHV-1 were negatively correlated to elevated circulating concentrations of BHBA (P < 0.05).     

Induction of antigen-specific T-cell subset activation to bovine respiratory disease viruses by a modified-live virus vaccine

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a modified-live virus vaccine containing bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), parainfluenza virus 3, and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 to induce neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity in na?ve cattle and protect against BHV-1 challenge. ANIMALS: 17 calves. PROCEDURES: 8 calves were mock-vaccinated with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control calves), and 9 calves were vaccinated at 15 to 16 weeks of age. All calves were challenged with BHV-1 25 weeks after vaccination. Neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responsiveness were tested on the day of vaccination and periodically after vaccination and BHV-1 challenge. Specific T-cell responses were evaluated by comparing CD25 upregulation and intracellular interferon-gamma expression by 5-color flow cytometry. Titration of BHV-1 in nasal secretions was performed daily after challenge. Results-Vaccinated calves seroconverted by week 4 after vaccination. Antigen-specific cell-mediated immune responses, by CD25 expression index, were significantly higher in vaccinated calves than control calves. Compared with control calves, antigen-specific interferon-gamma expression was significantly higher in calves during weeks 4 to 8 after vaccination, declining by week 24. After BHV-1 challenge, both neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses of vaccinated calves had anamnestic responses to BHV-1. Vaccinated calves shed virus in nasal secretions at significantly lower titers for a shorter period and had significantly lower rectal temperatures than control calves. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A single dose of vaccine effectively induced humoral and cellular immune responses against BHV-1, BRSV, and BVDV types 1 and 2 and protected calves after BHV-1 challenge for 6 months after vaccination.     

Seroprevalence of OHV-2, BVDV, BHV-1, and BRSV in ranch-raised bison (Bison bison).

Serum samples were collected at slaughter from 226 24-30-month-old American bison (Bison bison) bulls from Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Manitoba and assayed for antibodies to ovine herpesvirus type-2 (OHV-2), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BHV-1), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Antibodies were detected by serum neutralization for BVDV, BHV-1, and BRSV, while antibodies to OHV-2 were detected by competitive inhibition-ELISA (CI-ELISA). Detectable antibodies were found against all viruses: 10 of 226 (4.40%) against OHV-2, 125 of 226 (55.3%) against BVDV, 99 of 226 (43.8%) against BHV-1, and 208 of 226 (92.0%) against BRSV. Titers from 93.6% of the BVDV-positive animals, 79.8% of the BHV-1-positive animals, and 98.1% of the BRSV-positive animals were > or = 1.25. These data indicate that a low percentage of clinically normal bison are seropositive for OHV-2 while a high percentage of bison sampled are seropositive for BVDV, BHV-1, and BRSV.     

Duration of immunity of a quadrivalent vaccine against respiratory diseases caused by BHV-1, PI3V, BVDV, and BRSV in experimentally infected calves

Several laboratory studies assessed the duration of immunity of a quadrivalent vaccine (Rispoval™4, Pfizer Animal Health) against bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) caused by bovine herpes-virus type-1 (BHV-1), parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI₃V), bovine viral-diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV), or bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Calves between 7 weeks and 6 months of age were allocated to treatment and then were injected with two doses of either the vaccine or the placebo 3 weeks apart. Six to 12 months after the second injection, animals were challenged with BHV-1 (n = 16), PI₃V (n = 31), BVDV (n = 16), or BRSV (n = 20) and the course of viral infection was monitored by serological, haematological (in the BVDV study only), clinical, and virological means for ≥2 weeks. Infection induced mild clinical signs of respiratory disease and elevated rectal temperature in both vaccinated and control animals and was followed by a dramatic rise in neutralising antibodies in all treatment groups. Titres reached higher levels in vaccinated calves than in control calves after challenge with BHV-1, BVDV, or BRSV. On day 3 after PI₃V challenge, virus shedding was reduced from 3.64 log₁₀ TCID₅₀ in control animals to 2.59 log₁₀ TCID₅₀ in vaccinated animals. On days 6 and 8 after BRSV challenge, there were fewer vaccinated animals (n = 2/10 and 0/10, respectively) shedding the virus than control animals (n = 8/10 and 3/10, respectively). Moreover, after challenge, the mean duration of virus shedding was reduced from 3.8 days in control animals to 1 day in vaccinated animals in the BVDV study and from 3.4 days in control animals to 1.2 days in vaccinated animals in the BRSV study. The duration of immunity of ≥6 months for PI₃V, BHV-1 and BVDV, and 12 months for BRSV, after vaccination with Rispoval™4, was associated mainly with enhanced post-challenge antibody response to all four viruses and reduction of the amount or duration of virus shedding or both.     

Effects in calves of mixed infections with bovine viral diarrhea virus and several other bovine viruses

The objective of this study was to verify whether a mixed infection in calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and other bovine viruses, such as bovid herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4), parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus, would influence the pathogenesis of the BVDV infection sufficiently to result in the typical form of mucosal disease being produced.

Accordingly, two experiments were undertaken. In one experiment calves were first infected with BVDV and subsequently with BHV-4 and IBR virus, respectively. The second experiment consisted in a simultaneous infection of calves with BVDV and PI-3 virus or BVDV and IBR virus.

From the first experiment it seems that BVDV infection can be reactivated in calves by BHV-4 and IBR virus. Evidence of this is that BVDV, at least the cytopathic (CP) strain, was recovered from calves following superinfection. Moreover, following such superinfection the calves showed signs which could most likely be ascribed to the pathogenetic activity of BVDV. Superinfection, especially by IBR virus, created a more severe clinical response in calves that were initially infected with CP BVDV, than in those previously given the non-cytopathic (NCP) biotype of the virus. Simultaneous infection with PI-3 virus did not seem to modify to any significant extent the pathogenesis of the experimentally induced BVDV infection whereas a severe clinical response was observed in calves when simultaneous infection was made with BVDV and IBR virus.     

A serologic survey of viral infections in captive ungulates in Turkish zoos

Zoos and zoologic gardens make optimal environments for interspecies transmission of viral infections. There are seven zoos and several small zoologic collections in Turkey. This study aimed to determine the current status of viral infections in captive ungulates living in these environments. Blood samples were taken from 163 captive animals from two zoos. There were 39 Cameroon sheep (Ovis ammon f aries), 11 Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), 57 pygmy goats (Capra hircus), 9 Angora goats (Capra hircus), 21 mountain goats (Capra aegagrus-aegagrus), 7 llamas (Lama glama), 8 Persian goitred gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa), 7 Caspian red deer (Cervus elaphus maral), 2 fallow deer (Dama dama), and 2 camels (Camelus dromedarius). Antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), bovine adenoviruses (BAV-1 and -3), parainfluenzavirus 3 (PI-3), and bluetongue viruses (BTV-4 and -9) were investigated using the virus neutralization test, and malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) antibodies were screened by ELISA. All animals were negative for BVDV and BHV-1 antibodies. Seroprevalence of BAV-1, BAV-3, PI-3, BRSV, BT-4, BT-9, and MCF were detected as follows: 46.6%, 60.1%, 0.6%, 7.3%, 1.8%, 1.2%, and 51.6%, respectively. Seroprevalence of BAVs and MCF were more common than all other viruses (P < 0.0001). Ten sheep (37.0%), 48 goats (84.2), and 1 Ilama (14.2%) were the only species positive for MCF antibodies. Prevalence of BRSV and MCF antibodies were found to be significantly higher in goats than in sheep. BTV antibodies were detected both in Cameroon sheep and mountain goats and suggest that zoo animals are at risk for BTV in endemic regions.     

Efficacy of a quadrivalent vaccine against respiratory diseases caused by BHV-1, PI3V, BVDV and BRSV in experimentally infected calves

The efficacy of a quadrivalent vaccine against viral bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) was assessed in four experimental studies. Calves between 2 and 9 months of age were allocated to one of two treatment groups (n=9-15) and then received either the vaccine or sterile saline in two doses approximately 3 weeks apart. Three to 5 weeks after the second injection, animals were challenged experimentally with one of the viruses, bovine herpes-virus-1 (BHV-1), parainfluenza type-3 virus (PI(3)V), bovine viral-diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV), or bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and were then monitored for at least 2 weeks. The administration of the vaccine was associated with enhanced antibody response to all four viruses post-challenge, with the reduction of the amount or duration (or both) of virus shedding in the BHV-1, PI(3)V, BVDV and BRSV studies and with an improvement of some clinical signs in the BHV-1 (nasal discharge, and rectal temperature) and the PI(3)V studies (abnormal respiration, and depression).     

Comparative serological response in calves to eight commercial vaccines against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza-3, bovine respiratory syncytial, and bovine viral diarrhea viruses

A field trial was conducted to compare the serological responses in calves to eight commercial vaccines against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and/or bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Calves given IBRV, P13V, BRSV, and BVDV vaccines had significantly higher antibodies to these viruses than unvaccinated controls; however, serological responses to killed BVDV vaccines were low. Calves with preexisting antibodies to IBRV, PI3V, BRSV, and the Singer strain of BVDV had lower seroconversion rates following vaccination than calves that were seronegative initially.

Serological responses in calves to IBRV, PI3V, BRSV, and BVDV differed among various commercial vaccines. Antibody titers to IBRV were higher in calves vaccinated with modified-live IBRV vaccines than in those vaccinated with killed IBRV vaccines. Following double vaccination with modified-live IBRV and PI3V vaccines, seroconversion rates and antibody titers to IBRV and PI3V were higher in calves vaccinated intramuscularly than in those vaccinated intranasally. Calves given Cattlemaster 4 had significantly higher titers to BRSV and PI3V, and lower titers to BVDV, than calves given Cattlemaster 3, suggesting that the addition of BRSV to Cattlemaster 4 caused some interaction among antigens.

     

Investigation of causative agents of bovine respiratory tract disease in a beef cow-calf herd with an early weaning program.

Serum samples were collected from early weaned fall calves shortly after the onset of respiratory tract disease. Antibody titers to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus, parainfluenza type 3 (PI-3) virus, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus, bovine adenovirus type 3 (BAV-3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were determined on paired (acute and convalescent) serums. Seroconversion rate (a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titer) for IBR virus was 4.3%, PI-3 virus--16.3%, BVD virus--9.6%, and BAV-3--2.2%. Seroconversion for BRSV was 45.4%. An increased rate of seroconversion for IBR, PI-3, and BVD viruses and BAV-3 was observed in the presence of BRSV seroconversion. These results suggest that BRSV may facilitate infection by other viruses. Results of virus isolation procedures from these calves were negative.     

Prevalence of bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhea, parainfluenza-3, goat respiratory syncytial, bovine leukemia, and bluetongue viral antibodies in sheep

Sera from healthy sheep were collected in January and March 1982 from flocks of sheep located in southwestern and southeastern Louisiana. These sera were tested for bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) virus, and goat respiratory syncytial virus (GRSV) antibodies by microtitration virus-neutralization test. The sera were tested also for bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies by immunodiffusion tests. The number of flocks with seropositive sheep for each virus were: 2/8 (25%) for BVDV; 8/8 (100%) for PI-3 virus; 7/8 (87.5%) for GRSV; and 6/8 (75%) for BTV. Seropositive rates for each virus for the individual sheep tested were: 4/158 (2.5%) for BVDV; 117/158 (74.1%) for PI-3 virus; 77/158 (48.7%) for GRSV; and 21/158 (13.3%) for BTV. All sheep were seronegative for BHV-1 and BLV.     

Association of herd BHV-1 seroprevalence with respiratory disease in youngstock in Estonian dairy cattle

The associations between herd bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) seroprevalence, along with other infectious and farm management factors with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in dairy calves and heifers, were investigated. Serum samples from 103 dairy cattle herds were analyzed for antibodies against BHV-1, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis). A questionnaire was used to record herd management practices. A high occurrence of respiratory disease in unweaned calves was associated with low to moderate and high prevalence of BHV-1 among cows (OR=14.8, p=0.005 and OR=19.2, p=0.002, respectively) and positive BVDV status of a herd (OR=5.1, p=0.02). The presence of BVDV in a herd was related to a high incidence of respiratory disease in heifers 3-16 months old (OR=4.3, p=0.027). Based on the results of multiple correspondence analysis, holding youngstock separately from cows until pregnancy, introducing new animals and the activities of on-farm employees may contribute to a higher incidence of BRD.     

Transmission of Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1b to susceptible and vaccinated calves by exposure to persistently infected calves

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) persistently infected (PI) calves represent significant sources of infection to susceptible cattle. The objectives of this study were to determine if PI calves transmitted infection to vaccinated and unvaccinated calves, to determine if BVDV vaccine strains could be differentiated from the PI field strains by subtyping molecular techniques, and if there were different rates of recovery from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) versus serums for acutely infected calves. Calves PI with BVDV1b were placed in pens with nonvaccinated and vaccinated calves for 35 d. Peripheral blood leukocytes, serums, and nasal swabs were collected for viral isolation and serology. In addition, transmission of Bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), Parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3V), and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) was monitored during the 35 d observation period. Bovine viral diarrhea virus subtype 1b was transmitted to both vaccinated and nonvaccinated calves, including BVDV1b seronegative and seropositive calves, after exposure to PI calves. There was evidence of transmission by viral isolation from PBL, nasal swabs, or both, and seroconversions to BVDV1b. For the unvaccinated calves, 83.2% seroconverted to BVDV1b. The high level of transmission by PI calves is illustrated by seroconversion rates of nonvaccinated calves in individual pens: 70% to 100% seroconversion to the BVDV1b. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was isolated from 45 out of 202 calves in this study. These included BVDV1b in ranch and order buyer (OB) calves, plus BVDV strains identified as vaccinal strains that were in modified live virus (MLV) vaccines given to half the OB calves 3 d prior to the study. The BVDV1b isolates in exposed calves were detected between collection days 7 and 21 after exposure to PI calves. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was recovered more frequently from PBL than serum in acutely infected calves. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was also isolated from the lungs of 2 of 7 calves that were dying with pulmonary lesions. Two of the calves dying with pneumonic lesions in the study had been BVDV1b viremic prior to death. Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1b was isolated from both calves that received the killed or MLV vaccines. There were cytopathic (CP) strains isolated from MLV vaccinated calves during the same time frame as the BVDV1b isolations. These viruses were typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genetic sequencing, and most CP were confirmed as vaccinal origin. A BVDV2 NCP strain was found in only 1 OB calf, on multiple collections, and the calf seroconverted to BVDV2. This virus was not identical to the BVDV2 CP 296 vaccine strain. The use of subtyping is required to differentiate vaccinal strains from the field strains. This study detected 2 different vaccine strains, the BVDV1b in PI calves and infected contact calves, and a heterologous BVDV2 subtype brought in as an acutely infected calf. The MLV vaccination, with BVDV1a and BVDV2 components, administered 3 d prior to exposure to PI calves did not protect 100% against BVDV1b viremias or nasal shedding. There were other agents associated with the bovine respiratory disease signs and lesions in this study including Mannheimia haemolytica, Mycoplasma spp., PI-3V, BRSV, and BHV-1.     

Comparison of levels and duration of detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus 1, bovine viral diarrhea virus 2, bovine respiratory syncytial virus,bovine herpesvirus 1, and bovine parainfluenza virus 3 in calves fed maternal colostrum or a colostrum-replacement product

Colostrum-replacement products are an alternative to provide passive immunity to neonatal calves; however, their ability to provide adequate levels of antibodies recognizing respiratory viruses has not been described. The objective of this study was to compare the serum levels of IgG at 2 d of age and the duration of detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus 2 (BVDV-2), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), and bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3) in calves fed maternal colostrum (MC) or a colostrum replacement (CR) at birth. Forty newborn male Holstein calves were assigned to the CR or the MC group. Group CR (n = 20) received 2 packets of colostrum replacement (100 g of IgG per 470-g packet), while group MC (n = 20) received 3.8 L of maternal colostrum. Blood samples for detection of IgG and virus antibodies were collected from each calf at birth, at 2 and 7 d, and monthly until the calves became seronegative. Calves in the MC group had greater IgG concentrations at 2 d of age. The apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG was greater in the MC group than in the CR group, although the difference was not significant. Calves in the CR group had greater concentrations of BVDV neutralizing antibodies during the first 4 mo of life. The levels of antibodies to BRSV, BHV-1, and BPIV-3 were similar in the 2 groups. The mean time to seronegativity was similar for each virus in the 2 groups; however, greater variation was observed in the antibody levels and in the duration of detection of immunity in the MC group than in the CR group. Thus, the CR product provided calves with more uniform levels and duration of antibodies to common bovine respiratory viruses.     

Viral and bacterial pathogens in bovine respiratory disease in Finland

Pathogens causing bovine respiratory tract disease in Finland were investigated. Eighteen cattle herds with bovine respiratory disease were included. Five diseased calves from each farm were chosen for closer examination and tracheobronchial lavage. Blood samples were taken from the calves at the time of the investigation and from 86 calves 3-4 weeks later. In addition, 6-10 blood samples from animals of different ages were collected from each herd, resulting in 169 samples. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to bovine parainfluenza virus-3 (PIV-3), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine adenovirus-3 (BAV-3) and bovine adenovirus-7 (BAV-7). About one third of the samples were also tested for antibodies to bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) with negative results. Bacteria were cultured from lavage fluid and in vitro susceptibility to selected antimicrobials was tested. According to serological findings, PIV-3, BAV-7, BAV-3, BCV and BRSV are common pathogens in Finnish cattle with respiratory problems. A titre rise especially for BAV-7 and BAV-3, the dual growth of Mycoplasma dispar and Pasteurella multocida, were typical findings in diseased calves. Pasteurella sp. strains showed no resistance to tested antimicrobials. Mycoplasma bovis and Mannheimia haemolytica were not found.