Serological survey for antibodies against pestiviruses in sheep in Wyoming

Authors: SILVERIA, SIMONE - FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL; FALKENBERG, SHOLLIE; ELDERBROOK, M - UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING; SONDGEROTH, K - UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING; RIDPATH, JULIA; CANAL, C - FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Pestiviruses including Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 (BVDV1), BVDV-2 and Border Disease Virus (BDV) can all infect ruminant animals. Since pestiviruses can infect multiple species, this raises concern especially for BVDV control programs as interspecies transmission can occur. Other concerns associated with interspecies transmission is emerging pestiviruses and the host range that is possible and the potential for interspecies spread of emerging viruses. To evaluate the pestiviruses currently circulating in US ruminant species, serological surveys have been conducted to evaluate prevalence of these viruses. The aim of this study was to evaluate pestivirus infection in domestic sheep from Wyoming, which is one of the most important states in sheep industry of Unites States. The population of animals evaluated in this study is unique as these sheep can have contact with a variety of other ruminant species. Data from this study suggest that antibodies were most frequently detected against BVDV-1 (4%) and overall these were the highest titers. This study suggests that BVDV-1 may be the major ruminant pestivirus infecting sheep in Wyoming, but the seroprevalence for sheep in other regions of the US may differ due to variation in contact and transmission with other ruminant species.

Technical Abstract: Pestiviruses including Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 (BVDV1), BVDV-2 and Border Disease Virus (BDV) have been reported in sheep populations worldwide. These viruses are not strictly host specific and can also infect cattle, goats, swine and wild ruminants. In sheep, clinical signs are related to reproductive problems, respiratory disease, neurological signs, abnormal body conformation and congenital disorders characterized by hairy shaker disease. Despite the importance of pestiviruses for animal health and its economic impact, little is known regarding the prevalence of exposure to pestiviruses in the U.S. sheep population as determined by seroprevalence. The aim of this study was to perform a serological surveillance of pestivirus infection in domestic sheep from Wyoming, which is one of the most important states in sheep industry of Unites States. Pools of sera from 500 sheep were examined by virus neutralization assay against four species of pestiviruses: BVDV-1, BVDV-2, BDV and an emerging species of virus known variously as HoBi-like virus, atypical bovine pestivirus or BVDV3. The overall pestivirus prevalence of exposure rate was 5.6%. Antibodies were most frequently detected against BVDV-1 (4%). Overall the highest titers detected were also against BVDV-1. The seropositive rates against HoBi-like virus, BVDV-2 and BDV were 3.8%, 3% and 2%, respectively. This study suggests that BVDV-1 may be the major ruminant pestivirus infecting sheep in Wyoming. However, the seroprevalence for sheep in other regions of the US may differ due to variation in interspecies contact and transmission. Interspecies pestivirus transmission is important to the design of a successful BVDV control program for the US.