Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer from Oklahoma: serologic evaluation and virus isolation

Blood samples were collected from 194 white-tailed deer from 27 locations in Oklahoma from 1977 through 1984. Sixty-eight (35%) of the deer had antibody against bluetongue virus (BTV) and 78 (40%) had antibody against epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus. Seropositive deer were detected in each of the 4 geographic quadrants of the state. Virus isolation was attempted in 40 deer from the northeast quadrant of Oklahoma (1983 through 1984); BTV was isolated from 11 deer, but epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus was not isolated. The isolation of BTV serotype 11 from these deer from 1983 through 1984 coincided with reported isolations of this serotype in other ruminants in Oklahoma during this time.     

Bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease in ruminants in Georgia: survey by serotest and virologic isolation

The frequencies of precipitating antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in domestic ruminants and white-tailed deer (WTD) in Georgia were 36% and 32%, respectively (n = 2,200). The frequencies of seropositivity to BTV and EHDV were high among cattle (47% and 42%, respectively [n = 1,068]) and less so in WTD (36% and 34% [n = 414]). The frequencies among sheep were 34% for BTV and 29% for EHDV (n = 286), whereas among goats, seropositivity was 8% for BTV and 7% for EHDV (n = 433). Serum samples from northeastern Georgia (1 of the 4 regions in the survey) had the highest frequency of precipitating antibodies for BTV (45%) and EHDV (38%). The lowest frequency was in southeastern Georgia, with 29% seropositivity for BTV and 24% seropositivity for EHDV. Of the 175 farms or herds in the serosurvey, 70% included animals that had BTV-precipitating antibodies, and 67% included animals which had EHDV-precipitating antibodies. Seventeen viral isolates were obtained from individual animals on 9 different farms. Fifteen of the isolates were BTV--8 from cattle, 4 from sheep, and 3 from WTD; 8 of them were serotype 11, and 7 were serotype 17. Viral isolates from each of 2 WTD were identified as EHDV serotype 1 and serotype 2. Of the total 17 isolates, 11 were from clinically healthy ruminants, and 6 were from animals with clinical signs of BT or EHD. Five of the viral isolates originated from northeastern Georgia, 7 from the northwestern region, and 5 from the southwestern region; none was obtained from specimens from the southeastern region.     

云南省2株鹿流行性出血热病毒的分离鉴定

为了监测云南省反刍动物鹿流行性出血热病毒(epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus,EHDV)的感染情况,本试验在云南省师宗县设立了监控点,筛选出EHDV抗体阴性的10头牛和5只羊作为哨兵动物,每年的5～10月份每周采血1次,11月到次年4月份每月采血1次,通过酶联免疫吸附试验监测其抗体转阳情况,用转阳牛的红细胞接种BHK以分离病毒,用病毒RT-PCR和中和试验鉴定病毒。结果显示,从2头转阳牛的抗凝血中分离到2株EHDV,其TCID₅₀分别为10^-2.5/0.1 mL和10^-3.44/0.1 mL,血清型均为EHDV-5型。本试验在云南省分离到EHDV,明确了云南省反刍动物存在EHDV感染,为我国监控EHDV流行情况及疫病风险防范提供了重要借鉴意义。     

Isolation and characterization of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus from sheep and cattle in Colorado

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus was isolated from cattle and sheep in northeastern Colorado during July and August 1984. The isolates were identified as serotype 2 by plaque-inhibition serotyping, genome electropherotyping, and protein analysis.     

Experimental infection of calves with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether experimental inoculation with a field strain of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype-2 (EHDV-2) suspected of causing clinical disease in naturally infected cattle would cause clinical disease in calves. ANIMALS: 8 calves. PROCEDURE: A strain of EHDV-2 isolated from a white-tailed deer that died of hemorrhagic disease was passaged twice in deer and used to inoculate 6 calves SC and ID; the other 2 calves were used as controls. Physical examinations, CBC, lymphocyte blastogenesis assays, and coagulation assays were performed; rectal temperature, interferon production, and serum neutralizing antibody responses were measured; and virus isolation was attempted every other day for 21 days after inoculation and then every fourth day for another 30 days. Calves were euthanatized on postinoculation day 51, and necropsy was performed. RESULTS: Calves inoculated with EHDV-2 became infected, as evidenced by development of viremia and seroconversion. However, the virus did not cause detectable clinical disease, clinicopathologic abnormalities, or gross lesions. Viremia was prolonged despite development of a serum neutralizing antibody response. A white-tailed deer inoculated with the same EHDV-2 strain developed clinical signs of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, demonstrating that the inoculum was virulent. CONCLUSION: Calves experimentally infected with EHDV-2 developed viremia and seroconverted but did not develop detectable clinical disease.     

Plaque neutralization of bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in BHK21 cells.

Plaque assay and plaque neutralization of blue-tongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus were studied in baby hamster kidney (BHK21) cells grown under an overlay containing gum tragacanth. Tests were done in plastic panels, each with 24 wells, and variables were established for achieving reproducible results. Four serotypes of bluetongue virus were compared, and their antigenic differences were confirmed with this new plaque-neutralization test.     

Neutralizing antibody responses to bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotypes in beef cattle

Blood samples were obtained from sentinel beef cattle at monthly intervals, and the sera were tested for antibodies, using a bluetongue virus (BTV) immunodiffusion test (IDT) and virus-neutralization test (VNT), for 5 BTV serotypes (2, 10, 11, 13, and 17) and 2 epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) serotypes (1 and 2). The cattle tested were transported from Tennessee to Texas in 1984 and 1985. All cattle were seronegative by the BTV IDT at the initial bleeding in Texas in 1984 and 1985. In 1984, 16 of 40 (40%) cattle seroconverted as assessed by results of the BTV IDT. In the 16 seropositive cattle in 1984, neutralizing antibodies were detected to BTV serotypes 10 (n = 7), 11 (n = 3), and 17 (n = 11), and EHDV serotypes 1 (n = 1) and 2 (n = 7). In 1984, no cattle seroconverted to BTV-2 or BTV-13. In 1985, 10 of 36 (27.8%) cattle seroconverted as assessed by results of the IDT. Of the 10 seropositive cattle in 1985, neutralizing antibodies were detected to BTV serotypes 10 (n = 10), 11 (n = 10), 13 (n = 7), and 17 (n = 5), and EHDV serotypes 1 (n = 1) and 2 (n = 7). In 1985, no cattle seroconverted to BTV-2. Clinical diseases attributable to BTV or EHDV was not detected in these cattle in 1984 or 1985.     

Molecular and genetic comparisons of two serotypes of epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer virus

The virus-specific double-stranded genome RNA of 2 serotypes of epizootic hemorrhagic disease of deer virus (EHDV) was evaluated by use of coelectrophoresis in polyacrylamide and agarose gel systems. The molecular weights of virion RNA segments were 0.32 to 2.57 X 10(6) for EHDV-1 and 0.33 to 2.54 X 10(6) for EHDV-2. Seven of 10 double-stranded RNA segments of the 2 serotypes had different electrophoretic mobilities in the polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis system. Although the individual RNA segments of each serotype contained unique RNA sequences determined on the basis of 2-dimensional polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis analysis of oligonucleotides, the corresponding segments of the 2 serotypes were found to be comparable and at least 1 pair of RNA segment was almost identical. Virus-specific polypeptides for the 2 serotypes were compared by use of gel electrophoresis. Eleven polypeptides were detected for EHDV-1 and 10 for EHDV-2. Six corresponding polypeptides of these 2 serotypes had different electrophoretic mobilities, indicating that these corresponding polypeptides differ in their molecular weights. A genetic relationship was not determined between the 2 EHDV serogroups and the blue-tongue serogroup viruses, using oligonucleotides mapping.     

Serologic responses of calves to sequential infections with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotypes

Six calves were inoculated with 1 of 2 North American serotypes of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and then inoculated with the second serotype 16 weeks later. One calf did not develop an immune response to EHDV after primary inoculation and was removed from the study. Viremia after primary inoculation was transient. Although each infected calf developed a high serum neutralizing antibody titer to EHDV, at no time after inoculation with one or both viruses was antibody detected that neutralized any US serotypes of bluetongue virus. After exposure to both serotypes of EHDV, 4 of 5 calves developed antibodies that cross-reacted with group-specific bluetongue virus antigens.     

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in Montana: isolation and serologic survey

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) was isolated in Vero cell culture from the spleen and whole blood of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). A 10% spleen suspension caused acute hemorrhagic disease (HD) when inoculated into an experimental white-tailed deer and resulted in the recovery of EHDV from the blood of the experimental animal at 5 days after inoculation. The virus was identified as EHDV serotype 2 through indirect fluorescent antibody tests, electron microscopy, and reciprocal cross-neutralization tests. Approximately 73% (36/49) of the mule deer, 5% (2/42) of the white-tailed deer, and 79% (249/314) of the cattle samples tested from areas where HD had been reported were EHDV seropositive. Although none of the white-tailed deer was bluetongue virus seropositive, 29% of the mule deer and 3% of the cattle tested from "active" HD areas possessed bluetongue virus precipitating antibody.     

Replication of bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in pulmonary artery endothelial cells obtained from cattle,sheep, and deer

OBJECTIVE: To compare replication of bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs) obtained from juvenile cattle, sheep, white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus), and black-tailed deer (BTD; O hemionus columbianus). SAMPLE POPULATION: Cultures of pulmonary artery ECs obtained from 3 cattle, 3 sheep, 3 WTD, and 1 BTD. PROCEDURE: Purified cultures of pulmonary artery ECs were established. Replication, incidence of infection, and cytopathic effects of prototype strains of BTV serotype 17 (BTV-17) and 2 serotypes of EHDV (EHDV-1), and (EHDV-2) were compared in replicate cultures of ECs from each of the 4 ruminant species by use of virus titration and flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: All 3 viruses replicated in ECs from the 4 ruminant species; however, BTV-17 replicated more rapidly than did either serotype of EHDV. Each virus replicated to a high titer in all ECs, although titers of EHDV-1 were significantly lower in sheep ECs than in ECs of other species. Furthermore, all viruses caused extensive cytopathic effects and a high incidence of cellular infection; however, incidence of cellular infection and cytopathic effects were significantly lower in EHDV-1-infected sheep ECs and EHDV-2-infected BTD ECs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There were only minor differences in replication, incidence of infection, and cytopathic effects for BTV-17, EHDV-1, or EHDV-2 in ECs of cattle, sheep, BTD, and WTD. It is not likely that differences in expression of disease in BTV- and EHDV-infected ruminants are attributable only to species-specific differences in the susceptibility of ECs to infection with the 2 orbiviruses.     

Isolation and characterization of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in eastern Washington.

A virus was isolated from the spleen of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) that had died during an epizootic in Washington state in 1967. Inoculation of a 10% spleen suspension from the deer caused hemorrhagic disease in normal white-tailed deer. Studies were conducted on the biological, physicochemical, and serologic properties of the Washington isolate. An in vitro assay system, utilizing a cultured primary of white-tailed deer fetal cells from an entire fetus, was employed for isolation and propagation of the virus. Cytopathic effect was characterized by focal development of rounded and clumped cells. Propagation was unsuccessful in suckling mice, BHK-21, and Vero cell cultures. The virus was resistant to treatment with ether, sodium deoxycholate, trypsin, oxytetracycline hydrochloride, and was sensitive to chloroform. Virus yield was not affected when infected cultures were treated with 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine, but dactinomycin (actinomycin D) treatment of infected cultures reduced virus yield. The virus was inactivated when heated at 70 C for 5 minutes or when exposed to pH 5 for 18 hours at 4 C. The virus was completely excluded from the filtrate by a 0.10- micronm (APD) membrane filter. Staining of infected cells with acridine orange indicated the presence of double-standard nucleic acid in the cytoplasm. Serum-neutralization tests with antiserums against the homologous virus and the New Jersey and Alberta strains of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus resulted in neutralization of the Washington isolate. The Washington virus was not neutralized by bluetongue virus antiserum. Cells infected with the Washington isolate exhibited intracytoplasmic fluorescence by the indirect fluorescent antibody method with New Jersey and Alberta epizootic hemorrhagic disease antiserums but not with bluetongue antiserum.     

Exploratory spatial data analysis of regional seroprevalence of antibodies against epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus in cattle from Illinois and Indiana

OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of antibodies against the serogroup of epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses (EHDVs) and describe spatial distribution of antibodies against EHDV among cattle herds in Illinois and western Indiana. SAMPLE POPULATION: 9,414 serum samples collected from cattle in 60 herds over 3 transmission seasons. PROCEDURES: Serum samples were tested for antibodies against EHDV by use of an ELISA. Seroprevalence for 4 zones covering the length of Illinois and parts of Indiana were estimated. A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model with a random effect for herd was used to estimate seropositive risk for zone (1 through 4), age (yearling, adult), herd type (beef, dairy), transmission season (2000 to 2002), and zone by year interaction. Isopleth maps of seroprevalence at the herd level were produced. RESULTS: Antibodies against EHDV were detected in 1,110 (11.8%) samples. Estimated seroprevalence in 2000, 2001, and 2002 was 15.3%, 13.4%, and 5.2%, respectively. Seroprevalence was highest in the southernmost zone and lowest in the northernmost zone, but risk of seropositivity for EHDV among and within zones varied by year. Clusters of high seroprevalence in the south, low seroprevalence in the north, and outliers of high and low seroprevalence were detected. Risk mapping revealed areas of higher seroprevalence extending northward along the western and eastern ends of the study region. CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence of antibodies against EHDV in cattle was higher in the south than north; however, local complexities existed that were not observed in a serosurvey of antibodies against bluetongue virus from the same cattle population.     

Isolation of bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses from mosquitoes collected in Indonesia.

Three viruses isolated from anopheline mosquitoes in Indonesia have been identified as bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses. Another virus isolate showed no relationship to other orbiviruses tested and should be regarded as a new virus; the name Golok is proposed for it. The mosquitoes were collected in 1980 and 1981 in a program designed to isolate flaviviruses infecting humans. It is apparent that such collections of arthropods which feed on large mammals could be screened for other viruses which may infect domestic livestock.     

Diagnostic complementary DNA probes for genome segments 2 and 3 of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 1

Potential diagnostic complementary DNA (cDNA) clones of gene segments 2 and 3 from epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 1 (EHDV-1) have been produced. Individual segments of EHDV-1 were isolated, denatured with methylmercury hydroxide, and polyadenylated. The polyadenylated RNA was reverse-transcribed and self-hybridized into duplex structures, and the incomplete ends were repaired. The resulting product was then cloned into the plasmid vector pBR322, using the complementary tailing method. Two clones, 1 from segment 2 (E1-2-10) and 1 from segment 3 (E1-3-16) were isolated, colony-purified, and characterized by cDNA/RNA blot hybridization and endonuclease restriction analysis. The cDNA clones of RNA segment 3 of EHDV-1 cross hybridized with the corresponding segment of EHDV serotype 2 by results of cDNA/RNA blot hybridization, but not with RNA of bluetongue virus serotypes isolated in the United States. After cDNA/RNA dot-blot hybridization analysis of 17 EHDV field strains, the segment-2 clone was found to be serotype-specific, whereas the segment-3 clone was serogroup-specific.     

No evidence for involvement of sheep in the epidemiology of cattle virulent epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is an Orbivirus. While not previously considered as an important disease in cattle, several EHDV serotypes (EHDV-6 and 7) have recently been implicated in disease outbreaks. The involvement of sheep in the epidemiology of EHDV is still not understood. In this study we compared the prevalence of antibodies to EHDV and bluetongue virus (BTV) in sheep to their prevalence in cattle after an outbreak of EHDV that occurred in Israel during 2006. Sixty-six sheep and lambs scattered in seven herds were compared to 114 cows and calves scattered in 13 dairy cattle herds, matched to the sheep herds by location. While antibody prevalence to EHDV was high in cattle (35.2% within the outbreak zone) no evidence of exposure to EHDV was found in sheep (p<0.0001). Antibodies to BTV were apparent in both cattle and sheep though in the former it was significantly higher (63.2%, 16.7% respectively, p<0.0001), suggesting higher exposure of cattle to biting Culicoides midges. Taken together, these results imply that sheep have a negligible role in the epidemiology of EHDV.     

Analysis of genetic variation of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and bluetongue virus field isolates by coelectrophoresis of their double-stranded RNA.

Thirty-two bovine field isolates of bluetongue virus (BTV), 6 field isolates of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) from deer, 4 BTV prototype serotypes (10, 11, 13, and 17), and 2 EHDV prototype serotypes (1 and 2) were coelectrophoresed, using polyacrylamide gels. Field isolates were obtained from various regions of the United States. Analysis of polyacrylamide gels and scattered plots generated for comparison of migration patterns for different isolates within each serotype of BTV revealed wide variation among the individual segments. The BTV serotypes 10 and 11 had more variation, compared with BTV serotypes 13 and 17, especially for migration of genome segment 5. A definitive correlation was not seen between the double-stranded RNA migration profiles on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, geographic origin, herd of origin, or year of collection. One BTV field isolate contained more than 1 electropherotype, with 2 bands at the segment-7 position, and it was further characterized as BTV serotype 11. Segments 2 and 5 of EHDV isolates were more variable in their migration than were the other gene segments. Generally, migration profiles for EHDV double-stranded RNA were more variable, compared with those of BTV isolates. Although a correlation was found between migration profiles and serotype of 2 isolates of EHDV, a study of additional EHDV isolates is required before the diversity of electrophoretic patterns of EHDV can be determined.     

A serologic investigation of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in cattle and gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa in Turkey

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a vector-borne disease of ruminants disseminated in the tropic and subtropic zone of the world. Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa (goitered gazelle) is native species of Anatolia. Due to risk of extinction, captured gazelles have been taken under protection in a restricted area at Ceylanpinar state farm. In this study, the presence of EHDV was investigated serologically in 82 goitered gazelle and 399 cattle. Seropositivity rates in goitered gazelle and cattle were detected as 2.43% and 3.50%, respectively.