Isolation of bovine herpesvirus III from diarrheic feces

A herpesvirus was isolated from the feces of a cow with diarrhea. The viral isolate was identified as a herpesvirus on the basis of morphology and chloroform sensitivity. It was serologically distinct from bovine Herpesvirus I (IBR) and II (mammillitis virus) as well as equine herpesviruses and pseudorabies virus. It was serologically related to members of the bovine Herpesvirus III group.Experimentally inoculated calves developed a transient fever but no other clinical signs or lesions. The virus could be re-isolated from the calves and significant levels of virus neutralizing antibodies were present in the serum 40 days after inoculation.