Self-clearance from BVDV infections--a frequent finding in dairy herds in an endemically infected region in Peru

In this cross-sectional study, a stratified two-stage random sampling procedure was employed to select 221 dairy herds for bulk tank milk (BTM) sampling, and a subset of 55 dairy herds for individual blood sampling of a number of young animals (spot test), to predict presence or absence of current BVDV infection, and for data collection. The prediction was based on the high probability of seropositivity in groups of animals where PI animals are present because of the efficient spread of virus from PI animals to the surrounding group. BTM samples were collected in August 2003 (n = 192) and February 2004 (n = 195), and the 55 herds selected for spot testing and data collection were visited in December 2003. All samples were tested for presence of BVDV specific antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA (SVANOVA Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden). The results demonstrated a very high level of exposure to BVDV in the region, and the proportion of herds with high antibody levels in the BTM was above 95% on both occasions. Despite this, almost two thirds of the herds had spot test results indicating absence of current infection, suggesting a high probability of self-clearance. A logistic regression model with the results from the spot tests as dependent variable was used to investigate possible herd and management factors associated with self-clearance, and suggested that this may occur regardless of herd size. Even though it is well established that the process of identification and elimination of PI animals is required within a systematic BVDV eradication programme, the present study strongly suggests that many herds may be cleared without intervention even in regions with high cattle density and high BVDV prevalence. Consequently, in any BVDV infected population (regardless of the herd-level BVDV seroprevalence), and at any given point of time, a large proportion of the herds will be free from infection due to self-clearance. Self-clearance is therefore a process that works in favour of any effort to control BVDV, which should be taken into account when planning and assessing the cost-effectiveness of a systematic control programme.     

First report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from dairy cattle in Argentina

Fecal specimens were obtained from a total of 70 dairy calves less than two months old on 11 municipalities in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After removal of fecal debris by sieving and sucrose flotation, specimens were subjected to PCR to detect the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi. PCR revealed a 14.3% of prevalence for E. bieneusi with 10 positive calves from 7 municipalities. Gene sequence analysis conducted in all samples positives by PCR revealed the presence of six genotypes; four previously reported in cattle as well as humans (D, I, J, and BEB4), one never reported in cattle before but previously reported in humans (EbpC), and one novel genotype (BEB10). These results constitute the first molecular characterization of E. bieneusi in Argentina, and suggest a potential risk of zoonotic transmission in this area.     

A survey of antibodies to pestivirus in sheep in the Republic of Ireland

: Sera from 1,448 adult ewes in 91 flocks, representing all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland, were examined for pestivirus antibodies using a commercially available ELISA which detected IgG1 antibody to border disease virus. Eighty-one sheep (5.6%) in 42 flocks (46.0%) were antibody-positive. Within infected flocks, the mean seroprevalence level was 11.4% with a range of 6.3% to 30.0%. The highest antibody prevalence was detected in sheep from central lowland counties of Ireland. Comparative neutralisation testing of 42 ELISA-positive sera detected geometric mean antibody titres of 136 to the NADL strain of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), 92 to the Moredun strain of border disease virus and 21 to the 137/4 strain of border disease virus. These results suggest that BVDV may be the major ruminant pestivirus infecting sheep in Ireland. Although there are high numbers of infected flocks, many sheep within such flocks remain antibody-negative and are at risk of giving birth to lambs with congenital border disease.     

北京地区规模化牛场BVDV持续感染牛清除方案的初步实施

BVDV持续感染牛(persistently infected,PI)是造成牛群内BVD难以根除的重要原因。为摸清北京地区BVDV-PI牛分布情况,探索BVD清除方案,本次筛查利用抗原捕获ELISA,对北京地区7个规模化奶牛场共14028头荷斯坦奶牛进行BVDV抗原检测。共检出PI牛58头,其中成母牛9头,后备牛49头;场内阳性率0.04～1.02%;PI牛与健康牛相比,平均出生体重相差5.9kg(P0.05),15月龄时体重相差94.6kg(P0.05),平均初配月龄和首次怀孕月龄分别延迟2.9个月和4.9个月(P0.05)。结果表明,PI牛个体发育缓慢且繁殖性能低下,但部分牛临床表现正常。以抗原捕获ELISA为主要检测手段的清除方案是控制BVD的有效方法。     

Identification and molecular characterization of border disease virus (BDV) from sheep in India

Pestiviruses isolated from sheep and goats in India thus far have been bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 (BVDV-1) or BVDV-2. During routine genetic typing of pestiviruses in the years 2009-10, border disease virus (BDV) was detected in eight Indian sheep of a flock showing clinical signs of BD by real time RT-PCR. All the samples yielded positive virus isolates in cell culture but were found negative by a BVDV antigen ELISA. A representative BDV isolate was characterized at genetic and antigenic level. Phylogenetic analysis carried out in 5′-UTR, N^pro and E2 regions of genome typed the Indian BDV isolate as BDV-3. A more detailed analysis in N^pro and entire region coding structural proteins showed that the N^pro (168), C (100 aa), E^rns (227 aa), E1 (195 aa) and E2 (373 aa) proteins were of size characteristic for BDV reference strain X818. Antigenic differences were evident between the BDV-3 isolate and previously reported BDV-1, BDV-5 and BDV-7 strains. Although origin of BDV-3 in India is not clear, the results reflect probable introduction through trade in sheep between India and other countries or BDV-3 may be more widely distributed. Additionally, this study suggests that for diagnosis of BDV infection, the commercial BVDV Ag-ELISA should be used with caution. This is the first identification of BDV in sheep in India which highlights the need for continued pestivirus surveillance and assessing its impact on sheep and goat production.     

First finding of genetic and antigenic diversity in 1b-BVDV isolates from Argentina

Infection with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Viruses (BVDV) in cattle results in a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild respiratory disease to fetal death and mucosal disease, depending on the virulence of the virus and the immune and reproductive status of the host. In this study 30 Argentinean BVDV isolates were characterized by phylogenetic analysis. The isolates were genotyped based on comparison of the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) and the E2 gene. In both phylogenetic trees, 76% of the viruses were assigned to BVDV 1b, whereas BVDV 1a, 2a and 2b were also found. Eight of the BVDV 1b isolates were further characterized by cross-neutralization tests using guinea pig antisera and sera from bovines vaccinated with two different commercial vaccines. The results demonstrated the presence of a marked antigenic diversity among Argentinean BVDV isolates and suggest the need to incorporate BVDV 1b isolates in diagnostic strategies.     

牛病毒性腹泻病毒人工感染家兔试验

采用耳静脉注射方式,成功地将牛病毒性腹泻病毒(BVDV)OregonC24标准毒株感染家兔。接种6h后,家兔体温均有不同程度的升高;再过6h后,体温恢复至正常。此后,家兔体温一直处于正常状态。于攻毒第7天处死,无菌采取脾脏,Reed-Muench法测定其毒价为101.67TCID50/mL,表明家兔对BVDV毒力具有减弱作用;通过剖检和临床观察,BVDV对家兔无致病性表现。     

Age-specific seroprevalence of Border disease virus and presence of persistently infected sheep in Basque dairy-sheep flocks

Using p125/p80 antibody and antigen-ELISA tests, age-specific seroprevalence and presence of persistently infected (PI) sheep were investigated in six commercial latxa dairy-flocks, housed for variable periods. The flocks all had a recent history of Border disease (BD). Every flock included seropositive sheep and seven 0.5-3-year-old PI sheep were detected in two of four flocks tested. Age-specific antibody patterns differed according to the presence or absence of PI sheep in the flock. In flocks free of PI sheep, seroprevalence was 6-13% in 1-year-old sheep and 42-93% in older sheep. In contrast, seroprevalence was 67-99% in sheep raised with PI sheep for at least 1 year and 29-33% in replacement 0.5-0.6-year-old sheep (including a PI sheep) indicating that Border disease virus (BDV) transmission in Basque dairy-flocks can be relatively slow. Moderate seroprevalence in young replacement sheep should not discourage further testing to detect PI sheep, and our results highlight the risk of failing to achieve "natural vaccination" prior to pregnancy by mixing PI sheep with BDV-unexposed ewes.     

Predicted costs and benefits of eradicating BVDV from Ireland

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) causes an economically important endemic disease (BVD) of cattle in Ireland and worldwide. Systematic eradication by detection and removal of infectious (BVDV carrier) cattle has been successful in several regions. We therefore assessed the benefits (disease losses avoided) and costs (testing and culling regime) of a potential eradication programme in Ireland. Published bio-economic models of BVDV spread in beef suckler herds and dairy herds were adapted to estimate potential benefits of eradication in Ireland. A simple model of BVDV spread in beef finisher herds was devised to estimate the benefits of eradication in this sector. A six year eradication programme consisting of 5 inter-related virological and serological testing programmes is outlined and costed. We found that the annualised benefits of BVDV eradication in Ireland exceeded the costs by a factor of 5 in the beef suckler sector and a factor of 14 in the dairy sector. Corresponding payback periods were 1.2 and 0.5 years respectively. These results highlight the significant economic impact of BVDV on the Irish cattle industry and suggest a clear economic benefit to eradication using the proposed approach. This type of cost-benefit analysis is considered an essential prerequisite prior to undertaking an eradication campaign of this magnitude.     

BVDV对后备牛生长发育状况及繁殖性能的影响

牛病毒性腹泻/黏膜病(BVD/MD)是一种严重危害奶牛健康的病毒性传染病,其病原为牛病毒性腹泻病毒(BVDV)。BVDV感染牛后主要表现两种状态,即一过性感染(TI)和持续性感染(PI)。BVD在牛场的流行,可严重影响奶牛的生产性能、繁殖性能及牛群健康状况,对奶牛的影响可表现为流产、胎儿畸形、腹泻和免疫抑制等。怀孕母牛在特定妊娠阶段感染BVDV后,可娩出PI犊牛,部分PI犊牛能像正常犊牛一样生长发育至成年,但其生长发育状况和繁殖性能较同龄健康牛差异十分明显。为评价BVDV对后备牛生长发育及繁殖状况的影响,笔者采用ELISA方法检出北京地区28个规模化奶牛场141头BVDV-PI牛,并与同龄健康牛生长发育及繁殖数据相比较,结果表明,BVDV-PI后备牛各月龄段的体高、体重均低于健康后备牛,其首次输精日龄、配准日龄、耗精量明显高于健康后备牛,而一次情期受胎率显著低于健康后备牛。数据显示,BVDV严重影响后备牛的生长发育及繁殖状况。     

牛病毒性腹泻病毒基因分型二重RT-PCR检测方法的建立

为了同步检测牛病毒性腹泻病毒(BVDV)基因1型和基因2型并能够加以区分,根据Gen Bank中已发表的BVDV基因1型和基因2型、牛蓝舌病病毒(BTV)、口蹄疫病毒(FMDV)、猪瘟病毒(CSFV)、牛传染性鼻气管炎病毒(IBRV)的全基因序列,采用Primer Premier 5.0软件,针对BVDV的高度保守的5'端非编码区的核苷酸序列,设计了两对特异性引物,二重RT-PCR方法扩增目的片段的大小分别为222 bp和119 bp,经过对反应体系和条件的优化,本研究建立了在同一反应体系中鉴别检测BVDV基因1型和2型的RT-PCR方法,扩增出了与预期大小相符的目的片段。该方法便捷,特异性高,敏感性强,重复性好,可作为BVDV分型鉴定和快速诊断的有效方法。     

牛病毒性腹泻病毒在绵羊垂直感染中的抗原分布

将新疆分离的病毒性腹泻病毒（BVDV）野毒株SHN－98和标准毒株Oregon C-24分别接种无BVDV感染的羔羊和怀孕100天左右的母羊，建立BVDV在绵羊垂直感染的动物模型，应用病毒抗原定位检测的免疫组化染色技术，探求BVDV在实验性感染绵羊经胎盘感染胚胎、羔羊过程中，病毒在感染组织、靶器官、靶细胞中的分布规律。结果表明：BVDV通过母羊的胎盘感染胚胎。BVDV在感染妊娠母羊体内主要分布于心肌、肝、肺、脾、淋巴结、胃肠粘膜、脑神经、子宫粘膜、胎盘等器官组织，其中以胃肠粘膜、脾、淋巴结、脑神经、子宫粘膜、胎盘等器官组织中分布量较多；BVDV在垂直感染胚胎体内主要分布于胸腺、淋巴结、脑、肝、肾、心肌、脾、肺、胃肠粘膜、脐带等器官组织，其中以胸腺、胃肠粘膜、脑神经等器官组织中分布量较多；BVDV在垂直感染羔羊体内主要分布于心、肾、胃肠粘膜、脾、胸腺、淋巴结、大脑、小脑、海马、视丘、视神经、眼球脉络膜等器官组织，其中以胃肠粘膜、大小脑、用、视神经、淋巴结等器官组织中分布较多，在组织分布中，BVDV对上皮细胞、神经胶质细胞、淋巴细胞有较强的亲嗜性，SHN－98和OregonC-24在垂直传播中组织器官的分布无明显差异。     

猪瘟和蓝耳病疫苗中BVDV和PCV污染情况调查

为了解四川地区规模化猪场所用蓝耳病和猪瘟疫苗中BVDV和PCV的污染情况,笔者选取了几种市售蓝耳病疫苗和猪瘟疫苗进行PCR检测。检测结果为：10份猪瘟活疫苗样品和9份蓝耳病活疫苗样品中,BVDV污染率为10．53％;PCV2污染率也为10．53％,所有样品中未检出PCVl。     

Serologic and virologic investigations into pestivirus infection in wild and domestic ruminants in the Pyrenees (NE Spain)

An outbreak of disease associated to a border disease virus was described in the Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) in Spain in 2002. Sera and/or spleen samples from 57 mouflon, 15 red deer, 21 roe deer, 3 fallow deer, 55 sheep, 32 cattle, and 68 goats sharing the chamois habitat were studied. An antibody ELISA test yielded an inconclusive result in 2 mouflon and positive results in 5 goat sera. Comparative virus neutralization tests were performed on the 2 inconclusive mouflons, 3 of the 5 seropositive goats, 55 sheep and 32 cattle, using 6 pestivirus strains. Positive results were obtained in 1 mouflon, 2 goats, 69% of sheep and 78% of cattle. Virological investigations performed with an antigen ELISA test yielded negative results in 21 goats and 39 mouflons, the result in 1 mouflon being inconclusive. PCR performed on 12 goats and the inconclusive mouflon gave negative results. These results suggested that it is unlikely that chamois BDV is infecting wild and domestic ruminants.     

Infectivity of pestivirus following persistence of acute infection

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is an endemic pathogen worldwide and eradication strategies focus on the identification and removal of persistently infected (PI) animals arising after in utero infection. Despite this, acute infections with BVDV can persist for months or years after the removal of the PI source despite repeated screening for PIs and tight biosecurity measures. Recent evidence for a prolonged duration of viraemia in the testicles of bulls following acute BVDV infection suggests the possibility of a form of chronic persistence that may more closely resemble the persistence strategies of hepatitis C virus (HCV). To investigate the potential for virus transmission from infected and recovered cattle to virus naïve hosts we established an acute infection of 5 BVDV-naïve calves and monitored animals over 129 days. Infectious BVDV was detected in white blood cells between days 3 and 7 post-challenge. The animals seroconverted by day 21 post-infection and subsequently were apparently immune and free from infectious virus and viral antigen.Animals were further monitored and purified white blood cells were stimulated in vitro with phytohaemagglutinin A (PHA) during which time BVDV RNA was detected intermittently.Ninety-eight days following challenge, blood was transferred from these apparently virus-free and actively immune animals to a further group of 5 BVDV-naïve calves and transmission of infection was achieved. This indicates that BVDV-infected, recovered and immune animals have the potential to remain infectious for BVDV-naïve cohorts for longer than previously demonstrated.     

First report of oligodendroglioma in a sheep

Oligodendrogliomas occur most commonly in the dog, but have also been reported in cattle, horses and cats. A 1-year-old sheep with neurological disturbances, including blindness, ataxia, circling and incoordination was referred to the veterinary clinic of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Following euthanasia and necropsy, a soft, relatively well-demarcated mass was observed in the white and grey matter of the right cerebral hemisphere, close to the sylvian fissure in the right cerebral hemisphere. Microscopic examination revealed a sheet of densely packed tumour cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, lightly staining cytoplasm and characteristic perinuclear halo effect which is consistent with a diagnosis of oligodendroglioma. This is the 1st report of oligodendroglioma in sheep.     

Virus recovery and full-length sequence analysis of atypical bovine pestivirus Th/04_KhonKaen

Phylogenetic analysis of recently identified “atypical” bovine pestiviruses, performed based on different gene regions, has revealed unclear relationships with other established species, therefore, their phylogenetic position could not be determined so far. In this study, the atypical pestivirus Th/04_KhonKaen was recovered from serum of a naturally infected calf and the complete genome sequence was determined and analysed, as means to define its position. The viral genome is 12,337 nucleotides (nt) long, and comprises a 5′-UTR of 383 nt, a 3′-UTR of 254 nt and an open reading frame of 11,700 nt, without duplication of viral sequences or insertions of cellular sequences. The phylogenetic analyses of the full-length sequence, performed by Neighbor-joining, Maximum likelihood, and the Bayesian approach, unanimously placed Th/04_KhonKaen in a single lineage, distinct from the established pestivirus species, and close to bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 and 2. Furthermore, Th/04_KhonKaen and two previously reported atypical pestiviruses D32/00_‘HoBi’ and CH-KaHo/cont formed a well-supported monophyletic clade in trees based on the complete N^pro and E2 gene regions. The finding provides conclusive classification of the Th/04_KhonKaen virus and confirms the standing of the “atypical” bovine pestiviruses as a novel pestivirus species.     

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.     

First report of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dairy sheep from Humid Pampa, Argentina

The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dairy sheep from the Humid Pampa region, Argentina. Blood samples from 704 dairy sheep belonging to six flocks were collected. Using a cut off titer of 1:50, an indirect fluorescence antibody test was used. Antibodies to T. gondii or N. caninum were detected in 17.3 % (n?=?122) and 3 % (n?=?21), respectively. All the flocks had at least one seropositive animal to T. gondii but two of them had no seropositive sheep to N. caninum. Fifty-two of 122 (42.6 %) positive samples to T. gondii had antibody titers higher than 1:400. There was a significantly higher proportion of T. gondii seropositive animals in females and older sheep (p?<?0.05). Ten of 21 (52.3 %) positive samples to N. caninum had antibody titers higher than 1:400. This is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in dairy sheep from Humid Pampa, Argentina. Further research is required for a better understanding of the role of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in dairy sheep in Argentina.     

牛病毒性腹泻—粘膜病病毒（BVDV）的分子生物学研究进展

牛病毒性腹泻—粘膜病病毒(Bovine viral diarrhea—mucosal disease virus,BVDV)是引起牛病毒性腹泻—粘膜病的病原，欧美牛体中普遍存在轻性或隐性感染，与猪瘟病毒(HCV)、羊边界病病毒(BDV)具有1种共同抗原，有交叉反应，牛体中的抗体检出率高。本文通过对BVDV的分子生物学的概述，总结BVDV最新的分子生物学研究进展，为进一步预防和控制BVDV提供理论依据。