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Bovine viral diarrhea
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| Bovine viral diarrhea | |
|---|---|
| Immunofluorescence image of BVDV (CP7 type). Nuclei are stained blue with DAPI. The replication complexes of the viruses are marked red by NS3 protein binding antibodies | |
| Scientific classification | |
| (unranked): | Virus |
| Realm: | Riboviria |
| Kingdom: | Orthornavirae |
| Phylum: | Kitrinoviricota |
| Class: | Flasuviricetes |
| Order: | Amarillovirales |
| Family: | Flaviviridae |
| Genus: | Pestivirus |
| Groups included | |
| |
| Cladistically included but traditionally excluded taxa | |
| |

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bovine viral diarrhoea (UK English) or mucosal disease, previously referred to as bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), is an economically significant disease of cattle that is found in the majority of countries throughout the world.[1] Worldwide reviews of the economically assessed production losses and intervention programs (e.g. eradication programs, vaccination strategies and biosecurity measures) incurred by BVD infection have been published.[2][3] The causative agent, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), is a member of the genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae.[1]
BVD infection results in a wide variety of clinical signs, due to its immunosuppressive effects,[4] as well as having a direct effect on respiratory disease and fertility.[5] In addition, BVD infection of a susceptible dam during a certain period of gestation can result in the production of a persistently infected (PI) fetus.[6]
PI animals recognise intra-cellular BVD viral particles as ‘self’ and shed virus in large quantities throughout life; they represent the cornerstone of the success of BVD as a disease.
Currently, it was shown in a worldwide review study that the PI prevalence at animal level ranged from low (≤0.8% Europe, North America, Australia), medium (>0.8% to 1.6% East Asia) to high (>1.6% West Asia). Countries that had failed to implement any BVDV control and/or eradication programmes (including vaccination) had the highest PI prevalence.[7]
Virus classification and structure
[edit]BVDVs are members of the genus Pestivirus, belonging to the family Flaviviridae. Other members of this genus cause Border disease (sheep) and classical swine fever (pigs) which cause significant financial loss to the livestock industry.[8]
Pestiviruses are small, spherical, single-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses of 40 to 60 nm in diameter.[9]
The genome consists of a single, linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA molecule of approximately 12.3 kb.[10] RNA synthesis is catalyzed by the BVDV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). This RdRp can undergo template strand switching allowing RNA-RNA copy choice recombination during elongative RNA synthesis.[11]
Two BVDV genotypes are recognised, based on the nucleotide sequence of the 5’untranslated (UTR) region; BVDV-1 and BVDV-2.[12] BVDV-1 isolates have been grouped into 16 subtypes (a –p) and BVDV-2 has currently been grouped into 3 subtypes (a – c).[13]
BVDV strains can be further divided into distinct biotypes (cytopathic or non-cytopathic) according to their effects on tissue cell culture; cytopathic (cp) biotypes, formed via mutation of non-cytopathic (ncp) biotypes, induce apoptosis in cultured cells.[14] Ncp viruses can induce persistent infection in cells and have an intact NS2/3 protein. In cp viruses the NS2/3 protein is either cleaved to NS2 and NS3 or there is a duplication of viral RNA containing an additional NS3 region.[15] The majority of BVDV infections in the field are caused by the ncp biotype.[1]
Epidemiology
[edit]BVD is considered one of the most significant infectious diseases in the livestock industry worldwide due to its high prevalence, persistence and clinical consequences.[16]
In Europe the prevalence of antibody positive animals in countries without systematic BVD control is between 60 and 80%.[17] Prevalence has been determined in individual countries and tends to be positively associated with stocking density of cattle.[18]
BVDV-1 strains are predominant in most parts of the world, whereas BVDV-2 represents 50% of cases in North America.[16] In Europe, BVDV-2 was first isolated in the UK in 2000 and currently represents up to 11% of BVD cases in Europe.[19]
Transmission of BVDV occurs both horizontally and vertically with both persistently and transiently infected animals excreting infectious virus. Virus is transmitted via direct contact, bodily secretions and contaminated fomites, with the virus being able to persist in the environment for more than two weeks. Persistently infected animals are the most important source of the virus, continuously excreting a viral load one thousand times that shed by acutely infected animals.[20]
Pathogenesis
[edit]
Acute, transient infection
[edit]Following viral entry and contact with the mucosal lining of the mouth or nose, replication occurs in epithelial cells. BVDV replication has a predilection for the palatine tonsils, lymphoid tissues and epithelium of the oropharynx.
Phagocytes take up BVDV or virus-infected cells and transport them to peripheral lymphoid tissues; the virus can also spread systemically through the bloodstream. Viraemia occurs 2–4 days after exposure and virus isolation from serum or leukocytes is generally possible between 3–10 days post infection.[21]
During systemic spread the virus is able to gain entry into most tissues with a preference for lymphoid tissues. Neutralising antibodies can be detected from 10 to 14 days post infection with titres continuing to increase slowly for 8–10 weeks. After 2–3 weeks, antibodies effectively neutralise viral particles, promote clearance of virus and prevent seeding of target organs.[22]
Intrauterine infections
[edit]Fetal infection is of most consequence as this can result in the birth of a persistently infected neonate. The effects of fetal infection with BVDV are dependent upon the stage of gestation at which the dam suffers acute infection.
BVDV infection of the dam prior to conception, and during the first 18 days of gestation, results in delayed conception and an increased calving to conception interval. Once the embryo is attached, infection from days 29–41 can result in embryonic infection and resultant embryonic death.
Infection of the dam from approximately day 30 of gestation until day 120 can result in immunotolerance and the birth of calves persistently infected with the virus.
BVDV infection between 80 and 150 days of gestation may be teratogenic, with the type of birth defect dependent upon the stage of fetal development at infection. Abortion may occur at any time during gestation. Infection after approximately day 120 can result in the birth of a normal fetus which is BVD antigen-negative and BVD antibody-positive. This occurs because the fetal immune system has developed, by this stage of gestation, and has the ability to recognise and fight off the invading virus, producing anti-BVD antibodies.
Chronic infections
[edit]BVD virus can be maintained as a chronic infection within some immunoprivileged sites following transient infection. These sites include ovarian follicles, testicular tissues, central nervous system and white blood cells. Cattle with chronic infections elicit a significant immune response, exhibited by extremely high antibody titres.
Clinical signs
[edit]BVDV infection has a wide manifestation of clinical signs including fertility issues, milk drop, pyrexia, diarrhea, and fetal infection.[9] Occasionally, a severe acute form of BVD may occur. These outbreaks are characterized by thrombocytopenia with high morbidity and mortality. However, clinical signs are frequently mild and infection insidious, recognized only by BVDV's immunosuppressive effects perpetuating other circulating infectious diseases (particularly scours and pneumonias).
PI animals
[edit]Persistently infected animals did not have a competent immune system at the time of BVDV transplacental infection. The virus, therefore, entered the fetal cells and, during immune system development, was accepted as self. In PIs the virus remains present in a large number of the animal's body cells throughout its life and is continuously shed. PIs are often ill-thrifty and smaller than their peers, however, they can appear normal. PIs are more susceptible to disease, with only 20% of PIs surviving to two years of age.[23] If a PI dam is able to reproduce they always give birth to PI calves.[24]
Mucosal disease
[edit]The PI cattle that do survive ill-thrift are susceptible to mucosal disease. Mucosal disease only develops in PI animals and is invariably fatal.[5] Disease results when a PI animal is superinfected with a cytopathic biotype arising from mutation of the non-cytopathic strain of BVDV already circulating in that animal.[25] The cp BVDV spreads to the gastro-intestinal epithelium, and necrosis of keratinocytes results in erosion and ulceration. Fluid leaks from the epithelial surface of the gastro-intestinal tract causing diarrhoea and dehydration. In addition, bacterial infection of the damaged epithelium results in secondary septicaemia. Death occurs in the ensuing days or weeks.
Diagnosis
[edit]Various diagnostic tests are available for the detection of either active infection or evidence of historical infection. The method of diagnosis used also depends upon whether the vet is investigating at an individual or a herd level.
Virus or antigen detection
[edit]Antigen ELISA and rtPCR are currently the most frequently performed tests to detect virus or viral antigen. Individual testing of ear tissue tag samples or serum samples is performed. It is vital that repeat testing is performed on positive samples to distinguish between acute, transiently infected cattle and PIs. A second positive result, acquired at least three weeks after the primary result, indicates a PI animal. rtPCR can also be used on bulk tank milk (BTM) samples to detect any PI cows contributing to the tank. It is reported that the maximum number of contributing cows from which a PI can be detected is 300.
BVD antibody detection
[edit]Antibody (Ig) ELISAs are used to detect historical BVDV infection; these tests have been validated in serum, milk and bulk milk samples. Ig ELISAs do not diagnose active infection but detect the presence of antibodies produced by the animal in response to viral infection. Vaccination also induces an antibody response, which can result in false positive results, therefore it is important to know the vaccination status of the herd or individual when interpreting results. A standard test to assess whether virus has been circulating recently is to perform an Ig ELISA on blood from 5–10 young stock that have not been vaccinated, aged between 9 and 18 months. A positive result indicates exposure to BVDV, but also that any positive animals are very unlikely to be PI animals themselves. A positive result in a pregnant female indicates that she has previously been either vaccinated or infected with BVDV and could possibly be carrying a PI fetus, so antigen testing of the newborn is vital to rule this out.[5] A negative antibody result, at the discretion of the responsible veterinarian, may require further confirmation that the animal is not in fact a PI.
At a herd level, a positive Ig result suggests that BVD virus has been circulating or the herd is vaccinated. Negative results suggest that a PI is unlikely however this naïve herd is in danger of severe consequences should an infected animal be introduced. Antibodies from wild infection or vaccination persist for several years therefore Ig ELISA testing is more valuable when used as a surveillance tool in seronegative herds.
Eradication and control
[edit]The mainstay of eradication is the identification and removal of persistently infected animals. Re-infection is then prevented by vaccination and high levels of biosecurity, supported by continuing surveillance. PIs act as viral reservoirs and are the principal source of viral infection but transiently infected animals and contaminated fomites also play a significant role in transmission.[1]
Leading the way in BVD eradication, almost 20 years ago, were the Scandinavian countries. Despite different conditions at the start of the projects in terms of legal support, and regardless of initial prevalence of herds with PI animals, it took all countries approximately 10 years to reach their final stages.[26][27]
Once proven that BVD eradication could be achieved in a cost efficient way, a number of regional programmes followed in Europe, some of which have developed into national schemes.[28]
Vaccination is an essential part of both control and eradication. While BVD virus is still circulating within the national herd, breeding cattle are at risk of producing PI neonates and the economic consequences of BVD are still relevant. Once eradication has been achieved, unvaccinated animals will represent a naïve and susceptible herd. Infection from imported animals or contaminated fomites brought into the farm, or via transiently infected in-contacts will have devastating consequences.
Vaccination
[edit]Modern vaccination programmes aim not only to provide a high level of protection from clinical disease for the dam, but, crucially, to protect against viraemia and prevent the production of PIs.[29] While the immune mechanisms involved are the same, the level of immune protection required for foetal protection is much higher than for prevention of clinical disease.[30]
While challenge studies indicate that killed, as well as live, vaccines prevent foetal infection under experimental conditions, the efficacy of vaccines under field conditions has been questioned.[31] The birth of PI calves into vaccinated herds suggests that killed vaccines do not stand up to the challenge presented by the viral load excreted by a PI in the field.[32]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Fray, M.D; Paton, D.J; Alenius, S.; et al. (2000). "The effects of bovine viral diarrhoea virus on cattle reproduction in relation to disease control". Animal Reproduction Science. 60–61: 615–627. doi:10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00082-8. PMID 10844229.
- ^ Richter, V; Lebl, K; Baumgartner, W; Obritzhauser, W; Käsbohrer, A; Pinior, B (2017). "A systematic worldwide review of the direct monetary losses due to bovine viral diarrhea virus infection". The Veterinary Journal. 220: 80–87. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.01.005. PMID 28190502.
- ^ Pinior, B; Firth, C; Richter, V; Lebl, K; Trauffler, M; Dzieciol, M; Hutter, S; Burgstaller, J; Obritzhauser, W; Winter, P; Käsbohrer, A (2017). "A systematic review of financial and economic assessments of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) prevention and mitigation activities worldwide". Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 137 (Pt A): 77–92. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.12.014. PMID 28040270.
- ^ Schaut, Robert G.; McGill, Jodi L.; Neill, John D.; Ridpath, Julia F.; Sacco, Randy E. (2015-10-02). "Bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 in vivo infection modulates TLR4 responsiveness in differentiated myeloid cells which is associated with decreased MyD88 expression". Virus Research. 208: 44–55. doi:10.1016/j.virusres.2015.05.017. ISSN 1872-7492. PMID 26043978.
- ^ a b c Lanyon, Sasha R.; Hill, Fraser I.; Reichel, Michael P.; Brownlie, Joe; et al. (2014). "Bovine Viral Diarrhoea: Pathogenesis and diagnosis" (PDF). Veterinary Journal. 199 (2): 201–209. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.07.024. PMID 24053990.
- ^ Grooms, Daniel L. (2004). "Reproductive consequences of infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. 20 (1): 5–19. doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2003.11.006. PMID 15062471.
- ^ Scharnböck, B; Roch, Franz-Ferdinand; Richter, V; Funke, C; Firth, C; Obritzhauser, W; Baumgartner, W; Käsbohrer, A; Pinior, B (2018). "A meta-analysis of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) prevalences in the global cattle population". Scientific Reports. 8 (1): 14420. Bibcode:2018NatSR...814420S. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-32831-2. PMC 6158279. PMID 30258185.
- ^ Hornberg, Andrea; Fernández, Sandra Revilla; Vogl, Claus; Vilcek, Stefan; Matt, Monika; Fink, Maria; Köfer, Josef; Schöpf, Karl (2009). "Genetic diversity of pestivirus isolates in cattle from Western Austria" (PDF). Veterinary Microbiology. 135 (3–4): 205–213. doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.09.068. PMID 19019571. S2CID 46378359.
- ^ a b N. James MacLachlan; Edward J. Dubovi, eds. (2011). Fenner's Veterinary Virology (4th ed.). Elsevier.
- ^ Brett D. Lindenbach; Heinz-Jürgen Thiel; Charles M. Rice (2007). "Flaviviridae: The viruses and their replication" (PDF). In D. M. Knipe; P. M. Howley (eds.). Fields Virology (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven Publishers. pp. 1101–1133. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-04-12. Retrieved 2021-04-27.
- ^ Kim, M.- J.; Kao, C. (2001). "Factors regulating template switch in vitro by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases: Implications for RNA-RNA recombination". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 98 (9): 4972–4977. Bibcode:2001PNAS...98.4972K. doi:10.1073/pnas.081077198. PMC 33148. PMID 11309487.
- ^ Ridpath, J.F.; Bolin, S.R.; Dubovi, E.J. (1994). "Segregation of bovine viral diarrhoea virus into genotypes". Virology. 205 (1): 66–74. doi:10.1006/viro.1994.1620. PMID 7975238.
- ^ Peterhans, Ernst; Bachofen, Claudia; Stalder, Hanspeter; Schweizer, Matthias (2010). "Cytopathic bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV): emerging pestiviruses doomed to extinction". Veterinary Research. 41 (6): 44. doi:10.1051/vetres/2010016. PMC 2850149. PMID 20197026.
- ^ Gillespie, J. H.; Madin, S. H.; Darby, N. B. (1962). "Cellular resistance in tissue culture, induced by noncytopathogenic strains, to a cytopathogenic strain of virus diarrhea virus of cattle". Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 110 (2): 248–250. doi:10.3181/00379727-110-27481. PMID 13898635. S2CID 12198102.
- ^ Qi, Fengxia; Ridpath, Julia F.; Berry, Eugene S. (1998). "Insertion of a bovine SMT3B gene in NS4B and duplication of NS3 in a bovine viral diarrhea virus genome correlate with the cytopathogenicity of the virus". Virus Research. 57 (1): 1–9. doi:10.1016/s0168-1702(98)00073-2. PMID 9833880.
- ^ a b Moennig, Volker; Houe, Hans; Lindberg, Ann (2005). "BVD control in Europe: current status and perspectives". Animal Health Research Reviews. 6 (1): 63–74. doi:10.1079/ahr2005102. PMID 16164009. S2CID 10581576.
- ^ Anon (2005). EU Thematic network on control of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV). Position Paper.
- ^ Zirra-Shallangwa B, González Gordon L, Hernandez-Castro LE, Cook EA, Bronsvoort BM, Kelly RF (3 August 2022). "The Epidemiology of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". Front Vet Sci. 9 947515. doi:10.3389/fvets.2022.947515. PMC 9404877. PMID 36032291.
- ^ Wolfmeyer, A.; Wolf, G.; Beer, M.; Strube, W.; Hehnen, H. R.; Schmeer, N.; Kaaden, O. R. (1997). "Genomic (50-UTR) and serological differences among German BVDV field isolates". Archives of Virology. 142 (10): 2049–2057. doi:10.1007/s007050050222. PMID 9413513. S2CID 20365815.
- ^ Brownlie, J.; Clarke, M. C.; Howard, C. J.; Pocock, D. H. (1987). "Pathogenesis and epidemiology of bovine virus diarrhoea virus infection of cattle". Annales de Recherches Vétérinaires. 18 (2): 157–166. PMID 3619343.
- ^ Fray, M. D.; Clarke, M. C.; Thomas, L. H.; McCauley, J. W.; Charleston, B. (1998). "Prolonged nasal shedding and viraemia of cytopathogenic bovine virus diarrhoea virus in experimental late-onset mucosal disease". Veterinary Record. 143 (22): 608–611. doi:10.1136/vr.143.22.608. PMID 9871955. S2CID 26025942.
- ^ Chase, Christopher C.L; Elmowalid, Gamal; Yousif, Ausama A.A (2004). "The immune response to bovine viral diarrhea virus: a constantly changing picture". The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Food Animal Practice. 20 (1): 95–114. doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2003.11.004. PMID 15062477.
- ^ Voges, H; Young, S; Nash, M (2006). "Direct adverse effects of persistent BVDV infection in dairy heifers – A retrospective case control study". VetScript. 19 (8): 22–25.
- ^ Moennig, Volker; Liess, Bernd (1995). "Pathogenesis of intrauterine infections with bovine viral diarrhoea virus". Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. 11 (3): 477–488. doi:10.1016/S0749-0720(15)30462-X. PMID 8581858.
- ^ Brownlie, J.; Clarke, M.; Howard, C. (1984). "Experimental production of fatal mucosal disease in cattle". The Veterinary Record. 114 (22): 535–536. doi:10.1136/vr.114.22.535 (inactive 11 July 2025). PMID 6087539. S2CID 19523700.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link) - ^ Hult and Lindberg (2005) Prev Vet Med 72: 143–148
- ^ Rikula et al. (2005) Prev Vet Med 72: 139–142
- ^ Rossmanith et al. (2005) Prev Vet Med 72: 133–137
- ^ Stahl and Alenius (2012) Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research 60 (Supplement) S31–39.
- ^ Ridpath (2013) Biologicals 41: 14–19.
- ^ O’Rourke (2002) Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 220(12): 1770–1772
- ^ Graham et al. (2004) Revista Portuguesa de ciencias veterinarias 127: 38.
- Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus, expert reviewed and published by Wikivet at http://en.wikivet.net/Bovine_Viral_Diarrhoea_Virus, accessed 21/07/2011
External links
[edit]Bovine viral diarrhea
View on GrokipediaVirology
Classification and taxonomy
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is classified within the family Flaviviridae and the genus Pestivirus. The genus Pestivirus encompasses enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily infect ungulates, with BVDV specifically associated with cattle and other ruminants. According to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), the viruses causing BVD are classified into distinct species: Pestivirus bovis (BVDV-1; previously Pestivirus A), Pestivirus tauri (BVDV-2; previously Pestivirus B), and Pestivirus brazilense (HoBi-like pestivirus, also known as BVDV-3; previously Pestivirus H).[4][5][6] Within these species, BVDV exhibits significant genetic diversity, characterized by multiple subtypes. Pestivirus bovis includes at least 23 subtypes (e.g., 1a through 1w), while Pestivirus tauri has at least four (2a through 2d); these subtypes are defined primarily by phylogenetic analysis of genes such as the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) and envelope protein E2. As of 2025, the number of recognized subtypes continues to grow due to ongoing surveillance and sequencing efforts.[7] Additionally, BVDV strains are categorized into two biotypes based on their cytopathic effects in cell culture: non-cytopathic (NCP), which do not induce cell lysis and are responsible for persistent infections, and cytopathic (CP), which cause visible cell death and are often associated with mucosal disease outbreaks. The CP biotype typically arises from mutations or recombination events in NCP strains.[6][8] Pestivirus brazilense, identified more recently as a distinct species, represents an emerging genotype with HoBi-like characteristics, first detected in Italian cattle in 2007 and subsequently reported in regions including Asia, Europe, and South America. This species shows genetic divergence from Pestivirus bovis and Pestivirus tauri, with nucleotide identities around 75-80% in key genomic regions, highlighting the ongoing evolution within the genus.[6][9] Phylogenetically, BVDV species form a monophyletic clade within Pestivirus, closely related to other members such as classical swine fever virus (Pestivirus C), with shared genomic organization and antigenic cross-reactivity due to conserved epitopes in structural proteins. Evolutionary analyses indicate that Pestivirus bovis and Pestivirus tauri diverged from a common ancestor around 500-1000 years ago, with Pestivirus brazilense as a more distant sister group, reflecting host adaptation in ruminants while maintaining relatedness to suid-infecting pestiviruses like CSFV.[10][8]Genome and virion structure
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an enveloped virus with a spherical to semi-spherical morphology and a diameter of approximately 40-60 nm.[11] The virion consists of a lipid bilayer envelope derived from the host cell membrane, which embeds the viral glycoproteins, and an internal electron-dense core containing the RNA genome packaged by the capsid protein. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals a smooth surface without prominent spikes, though surface projections are formed by the embedded glycoproteins Erns, E1, and E2, which exist primarily as E1-E2 heterodimers essential for virus entry.[11] The genome of BVDV is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA molecule approximately 12.3 kb in length.[12] It features a single long open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polyprotein, flanked by a 5' untranslated region (UTR) of about 385 nucleotides and a 3' UTR of around 200-250 nucleotides.[11] The 5' UTR contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that facilitates cap-independent translation, while the 3' UTR includes stem-loop structures that contribute to RNA stability and replication initiation.[11] The polyprotein is processed into four structural proteins and several non-structural proteins. Structural proteins include the capsid protein C, which binds the genomic RNA, and the envelope glycoproteins Erns (also known as E0), E1, and E2.[11] Erns is a heavily glycosylated ribonuclease involved in envelope formation, E1 mediates membrane fusion, and E2 serves as the primary attachment protein, featuring key domains such as receptor-binding sites that interact with host cell surface molecules.[11] Non-structural proteins comprise Npro, an N-terminal autoprotease that modulates host interferon responses; NS2 and NS3, which include protease and helicase activities; NS4A and NS4B, aiding in membrane rearrangements; and NS5A and NS5B, components of the replication complex with NS5B acting as the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.[11]Replication and molecular biology
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) initiates infection through receptor-mediated endocytosis, primarily binding to the bovine CD46 receptor via its E2 envelope glycoprotein, which facilitates attachment and subsequent internalization.[13] Additional host factors, such as the low-density lipoprotein receptor, may contribute to entry efficiency in certain cell types.[14] The process involves clathrin-coated pits and is pH-dependent, with low pH in endosomes triggering membrane fusion and release of the viral genomic RNA into the cytoplasm.[15] Replication of BVDV occurs exclusively in the cytoplasm, independent of nuclear machinery, utilizing the virus-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NS5B to initiate de novo synthesis.[16] The positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome serves as a template for producing complementary negative-strand RNA intermediates, which in turn direct the amplification of new genomic RNA and subgenomic products for translation into viral proteins.[17] This cytoplasmic replication complex, associated with host membranes like the endoplasmic reticulum, ensures efficient genome propagation without host DNA involvement.[18] Assembly of infectious virions takes place at intracellular membranes, particularly the rough endoplasmic reticulum, where the core protein C encapsidates the genomic RNA, and envelope glycoproteins Erns, E1, and E2 embed into lipid bilayers to form enveloped particles.[18] These nascent virions bud into cytoplasmic vesicles derived from the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment and are transported to the plasma membrane for release via exocytosis, maintaining the enveloped structure.[17] Recent post-2020 research has advanced understanding of the Npro non-structural protein's critical role in immune evasion during replication. Npro acts as an autoprotease that ubiquitinates and targets interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) for proteasomal degradation, thereby suppressing type I interferon production and innate antiviral signaling.[19] Studies have identified interactions with host proteins like CALCOCO2, which enhance Npro's inhibitory effects on IFN pathways, and genotype-specific molecular docking models revealing variations in evasion efficiency across BVDV strains.[20]Epidemiology
Transmission mechanisms
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) primarily spreads through horizontal transmission between animals in close proximity, as well as vertical transmission from dam to offspring. Horizontal routes involve direct contact with infected secretions or indirect exposure to contaminated materials, while vertical transmission occurs transplacentally during gestation. Persistently infected (PI) animals serve as the principal reservoirs, continuously shedding high viral loads that facilitate sustained dissemination within and between herds.[21] Direct transmission occurs via nasal, oral, ocular secretions, saliva, feces, urine, semen, and colostrum or milk from acutely or persistently infected cattle. These bodily fluids contain infectious virus particles that susceptible animals ingest or inhale during close contact, such as in shared feeding or housing spaces. PI animals, in particular, shed virus at titers of 10⁴ to 10⁶ CCID₅₀/mL lifelong, making them highly efficient transmitters even without overt clinical signs. Neighborhood contacts, including shared pastures, account for a significant portion of outbreaks, often comprising over 70% of new infections in susceptible populations.[21][22][14] Indirect transmission happens through fomites such as contaminated equipment, needles, clothing, or environmental surfaces, which can harbor viable BVDV for extended periods under suitable conditions. This route enables spread between herds via shared veterinary procedures, transport vehicles, or human vectors. Trade movements of infected animals, including undetected PI individuals, contribute to inter-herd dissemination, particularly in regions with active cattle markets.[21][22] Vertical transmission is a critical mechanism for establishing PI carriers, occurring when a pregnant dam is exposed to non-cytopathic BVDV strains between days 40 and 125 of gestation, before fetal immunocompetence develops. The virus crosses the placenta, infecting the fetus and inducing immunotolerance, resulting in offspring that are born PI and shed virus continuously. This pathway perpetuates BVDV within herds, as PI calves often remain undetected until breeding or until they trigger secondary infections.[21][14]Global distribution and prevalence
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is ubiquitous in cattle populations worldwide, with the virus established in nearly all countries where cattle are raised. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 325 studies spanning 1961 to 2016 across 73 countries, involving over 6.5 million animals, revealed a global pooled prevalence of persistently infected (PI) animals at the individual level decreasing from 1.85% (95% CI: 0.65–3.59) in 1980 to 0.36% (95% CI: 0.23–0.51) in 2016, reflecting the impact of emerging control measures.[23] Seroprevalence rates in endemic areas typically range from 20% to 90%, with a stable global average of approximately 46–49% at the animal level and 66–67% at the herd level during this period, though regional variations persist due to differences in surveillance and vaccination practices.[23] Prevalence is generally higher in developing countries and regions with limited control programs, such as parts of Africa, South America, and the Middle East, where PI rates often exceed 1.6% and seroprevalence can surpass 50–70% in unvaccinated herds.[23] In contrast, developed regions with active eradication efforts show marked declines; for instance, PI prevalence remains low at ≤0.8% in Europe, North America, and Australia.[23] Updates from 2020 to 2025 indicate continued reductions in vaccinated and monitored areas, with China's overall BVDV positive rate dropping to 6.05% by mid-2025 and Germany's reporting only 46 PI calves born in 2024.[24][25] Eradication successes are notable in Europe, where mandatory programs have accelerated progress toward BVDV-free status. Scotland's national scheme, legislated since 2013 and entering Phase 6 in July 2025, has reduced PI incidence to near elimination levels, with over 93% of breeding herds classified as negative by October 2025.[26] Similarly, Ireland's program, supported by additional funding in 2025, aims for an 18-month period without confirmed positives to meet EU Animal Health Law requirements, building on substantial PI declines since 2013.[27] These efforts highlight how systematic testing and removal of PI animals—key reservoirs for transmission—have driven prevalence downward in targeted regions.[23] While cattle are the primary hosts, BVDV also affects sheep and goats, with meta-analyses estimating overall infection prevalence at 8.6% (95% CI: 5.2–12.7) via immunological detection and 7.3% (95% CI: 2.7–13.7) via virological methods across global flocks.[28] Wildlife species, including deer, wild ruminants, and mountain goats, serve as potential reservoirs, with seroprevalence exceeding 60% in some populations like mule deer and bighorn sheep in North America, facilitating spillover to domestic herds.[29][30]Economic and production impacts
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections impose substantial economic burdens on the global cattle industry through direct production losses and indirect costs associated with disease management. A systematic review of 44 studies across 15 countries estimated direct monetary losses ranging from USD 0.50 to USD 687.80 per animal annually, with average losses of USD 199.50 per naïve dairy cow and USD 174.60 per beef cow, primarily driven by factors such as mortality, morbidity, premature culling, stillbirths, abortions, and reinfections.[31] In the United States, persistent BVDV infections alone cost the beef industry an estimated USD 1.5 to 2.5 billion annually, highlighting the scale in major producing regions. These losses translate to reduced milk and meat yields, with infected herds showing weaning weights 5-10 kg lower per calf compared to uninfected ones. Reproductive inefficiencies further exacerbate financial impacts, including decreased conception rates by approximately 10-15% in exposed herds and elevated rates of early embryonic death and abortion.[32] Calf mortality in acute outbreaks can reach 10-20%, contributing to substantial herd productivity declines; for instance, one documented outbreak resulted in a 44% loss of the calf crop due to reproductive failures and neonatal deaths. Fertility issues, such as prolonged calving intervals, compound these effects, leading to fewer marketable animals and lower overall herd output.[31] Post-2020 studies emphasize indirect costs, including trade and movement restrictions in BVDV eradication zones, which disrupt livestock commerce and increase surveillance expenses. In European countries pursuing eradication, such as Switzerland and the Netherlands, ongoing monitoring protocols post-eradication add millions in annual costs while preventing reintroduction, though they impose temporary limitations on animal transport in affected areas. Additionally, BVDV-induced immunosuppression heightens susceptibility to secondary infections like bovine respiratory disease, amplifying losses by an estimated USD 800-900 million annually in the US through treatment and reduced performance.[33] These broader effects underscore the virus's role in escalating total economic impacts beyond direct production deficits.Pathogenesis
Acute transient infection
Acute transient infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) occurs in previously unexposed, immunocompetent cattle, typically resulting in a self-limiting viremic phase lasting 2-3 weeks. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 7 days post-exposure, during which the virus replicates in lymphoid tissues before disseminating systemically.[2][34][3] Following incubation, acute infection is characterized by viremia and transient leukopenia, with virus detectable in blood and nasal secretions for up to 15 days and leukocyte counts often dropping sharply due to lymphoid depletion in tissues like the thymus and Peyer's patches. This leukopenia peaks around days 5-9 post-infection and contributes to a brief window of immunosuppression. The virus's Npro protein plays a key role in this immunosuppression by inhibiting type I interferon production through degradation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), thereby dampening innate immune responses and predisposing animals to secondary bacterial or viral infections; recent studies have further elucidated roles of NS3 and NS5A proteins in apoptosis suppression as part of broader immune evasion.[35][36][37][38] Most acutely infected cattle clear the virus through a robust humoral immune response, with neutralizing antibodies appearing within 2-3 weeks and facilitating recovery by day 13-21 post-infection, as lymphoid tissues repopulate and viremia resolves. Infections are often subclinical, with minimal clinical impact, but severity varies by strain; BVDV-2 isolates, particularly high-virulence subtypes, can induce more pronounced leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and severe outcomes compared to BVDV-1 strains.[36][39]Intrauterine infections
Intrauterine infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) occurs when the virus crosses the placenta to infect the developing fetus, with outcomes varying based on the gestational stage at exposure.[3] Early gestation infections, particularly between days 40 and 125, often result in persistently infected (PI) calves due to the fetus's immature immune system failing to mount an effective response.[40] In contrast, infections later in gestation typically lead to abortions, stillbirths, or the birth of weak calves with transient infections that resolve postnatally.[41] The development of PI calves is closely tied to exposure with non-cytopathic (ncp) BVDV strains during the critical window of immune system ontogeny, approximately days 60 to 125 of gestation.[42] At this stage, the fetal immune system lacks competence to recognize and eliminate the virus, leading to central immune tolerance where the ncp BVDV is perceived as "self" rather than foreign.[40] This tolerance arises from viral proteins such as Npro and Erns suppressing interferon production and innate immune signaling, preventing activation of adaptive responses and allowing lifelong viral persistence without clearance.[40] Consequently, PI calves are born viremic, shedding high levels of virus throughout their lives and serving as primary reservoirs for herd transmission.[3] In addition to PI, intrauterine BVDV infection can induce teratogenic effects, particularly on the central nervous system, when exposure occurs between gestation days 79 and 150.[43] Common malformations include cerebellar hypoplasia, characterized by reduced cerebellar size due to necrosis of the external granular layer, and hydranencephaly, involving extensive cerebral tissue destruction replaced by fluid-filled cavities.[43] These defects result from direct viral cytopathic effects on proliferating neural cells during vulnerable periods of organogenesis, often co-occurring with other anomalies like hydrocephalus or thymic hypoplasia.[43] Fetuses surviving such infections may be born with neurological impairments affecting coordination and viability.[44] Recent research since 2021 has revealed that even transient intrauterine BVDV infections can induce lasting epigenetic modifications in fetal tissues, influencing gene expression beyond the immediate viral presence.[45] For instance, late-gestation infections (e.g., day 175) lead to differential DNA methylation in white blood cells, with thousands of altered cytosines affecting pathways for fetal growth (e.g., WNT signaling) and immune function (e.g., Notch1 and IL-11 genes).[45] These changes persist postnatally, correlating with reduced birth weights and potential long-term impacts on development and disease susceptibility, as seen in epigenomic analyses of PI and transiently infected calves.[46] Such findings underscore the virus's broader influence on fetal programming, even in resolved infections.[45]Persistent infections
Persistent infections with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) arise exclusively from intrauterine exposure to the non-cytopathic (ncp) biotype during a critical window of fetal development, typically between 40 and 125 days of gestation in cattle.[36] This timing precedes the maturation of the fetal immune system, resulting in central immunotolerance where the developing T and B cells fail to recognize the virus as foreign, allowing lifelong viral persistence without eliciting an effective immune response.[21] Consequently, calves born from such infections become persistently infected (PI) animals that remain viremic and seronegative throughout their lives, serving as a primary reservoir for BVDV within herds.[38] In PI cattle, the virus establishes continuous replication in various tissues, leading to high viral loads in blood, nasal and ocular secretions, urine, semen, colostrum, milk, and feces, with shedding occurring consistently at titers of 10^3 to 10^5 TCID50/mL.[21][47] This persistent shedding facilitates efficient horizontal transmission to susceptible herd mates and vertical transmission to offspring, perpetuating BVDV circulation without immune-mediated clearance due to the established tolerance.[36] PI animals often appear clinically normal or exhibit subtle growth impairments, but their role in amplifying viral spread underscores their epidemiological significance.[38] Superinfection of PI cattle with a cytopathic (cp) BVDV strain, which may arise as a mutation of the resident ncp virus or from an external source, disrupts this tolerance and triggers the severe mucosal disease (MD) syndrome.[21] The cp biotype induces widespread cell death and inflammatory lesions in epithelial tissues, leading to erosive stomatitis, diarrhea, and high mortality rates approaching 100% in affected animals.[36] This progression highlights the dual biotype dynamics in BVDV pathogenesis, where ncp persistence sets the stage for cp-mediated disease exacerbation.[38] The BVDV genome in PI animals demonstrates relative genetic stability, with low mutation rates during persistent replication compared to acute infections, attributed to the absence of immune pressure that would otherwise drive rapid evolution.[38] However, subtype variations persist, including differences between BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, and occasional recombination events can occur, contributing to quasispecies diversity within the host while maintaining overall virological fitness.[21] This stability ensures efficient transmission but limits the emergence of novel variants in the PI context.[36]Clinical manifestations
Signs in acutely infected cattle
Acute infections with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cattle are often subclinical or mild, reflecting the virus's immunosuppressive effects that primarily manifest through transient immune dysregulation rather than direct cytopathic damage. Common clinical signs include pyrexia, typically ranging from 105°F to 107°F, which develops shortly after an incubation period of about 3 days; depression or lethargy; anorexia; and watery to mucoid diarrhea that contributes to dehydration in affected animals. Respiratory involvement is frequent, presenting as nasal and ocular discharges, mild coughing, or secondary pneumonia due to impaired neutrophil function and increased bacterial susceptibility. Oral lesions, such as erosions on the muzzle, gums, and hard palate, along with reduced milk yield in lactating cows, further characterize these infections, though the overall syndrome varies by host immune status and viral strain.[3][48][49] In rare severe cases, particularly those caused by highly virulent BVDV-2 strains, acute infections progress to hemorrhagic diathesis marked by profound thrombocytopenia, epistaxis, bloody diarrhea with mucosal casts, ecchymoses on mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal hemorrhages, often leading to acute fatalities within days of onset. These outbreaks, historically noted in North America during the 1990s, can affect calves and adults alike, with mortality rates exceeding 10-50% in naive herds, underscoring BVDV-2's greater thrombocytopenic potential compared to BVDV-1.[50][51][52] Most acutely infected cattle exhibit signs for 5-14 days before viremia clears and recovery ensues, with surviving animals developing lifelong immunity to homologous strains. Young calves, especially those under 6 months with waning maternal antibodies, face heightened risk of severe or fatal disease due to immature lymphoid tissues and greater viral replication, whereas infections in adults over 2 years are typically self-limiting with minimal long-term sequelae.[3][50][49]Features of persistently infected animals
Persistently infected (PI) cattle with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) harbor the virus lifelong due to fetal infection between days 40 and 125 of gestation, resulting in immune tolerance that allows continuous viral shedding without clearance. These animals often present as unthrifty with poor growth and ill-thrift, characterized by reduced weight gain, chronic wasting, and suboptimal performance as "poor doers" throughout life.[53][35] Clinical features in PI cattle include a reduced general condition in up to 93% of cases, alongside loss of appetite (94%) and ruminal hypoperistalsis (92%), leading to dehydration (63%) and recurrent diarrhea (69%). Chronic pneumonia affects approximately 20% of these animals, contributing to their overall ill-thrift and increased vulnerability to environmental stressors. Growth retardation is observed in about 30% of PI cattle, often linked to persistent immunosuppression that impairs nutrient utilization and recovery from infections.[54] Many PI animals function as asymptomatic carriers, appearing clinically normal and indistinguishable from healthy herd mates without diagnostic testing, particularly in the absence of stress or co-infections. This subtlety poses significant identification challenges, as overt signs may only emerge under conditions like weaning, transport, or disease outbreaks. However, PI cattle exhibit heightened susceptibility to secondary pathogens, with gastrointestinal nematodes detected in 62% of examined cases, exacerbating their health decline.[54][53] Mortality among PI calves is elevated, with approximately 50% dying within the first year of life from secondary diseases such as respiratory or enteric infections that progress more severely due to BVDV-induced immunosuppression. Surviving PI animals often require culling before reaching maturity owing to chronic poor performance and herd health risks.[35]Mucosal disease syndrome
Mucosal disease syndrome represents the acute, lethal endpoint of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in cattle persistently infected (PI) with a non-cytopathic (ncp) strain, triggered by superinfection with a cytopathic (cp) strain or spontaneous mutation to a cp biotype.[55] This fulminant condition arises when the cp virus induces widespread cytopathic effects in already immunocompromised PI animals.[56] The syndrome has a rapid onset following exposure to the cp strain, with clinical signs appearing within 1-2 weeks and progressing to death in most cases within another 1-2 weeks.[55] Key manifestations include high fever, erosive stomatitis with oral ulcers, severe gastrointestinal ulceration leading to bloody diarrhea, anorexia, and profound dehydration.[2] These symptoms reflect the virus's aggressive replication and tissue destruction, resulting in 100% mortality among affected animals.[57] Pathologically, mucosal disease involves extensive epithelial necrosis across mucosal surfaces, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by lymphocytolysis in lymphoid tissues such as Peyer's patches.[55] Ulcerative and hemorrhagic lesions dominate, with loss of intestinal crypts and widespread mucosal sloughing contributing to the animal's rapid decline.[56] The incidence of mucosal disease is rare in PI cattle, though it is invariably fatal in those cases.[2] Recent molecular studies from the 2020s have highlighted the central role of the NS3 non-structural protein in mediating cytopathic effects, where its expression as a serine protease and helicase promotes apoptosis via caspase activation and disrupts cellular homeostasis in infected tissues.[55][58]Diagnosis
Antigen and virus detection methods
Antigen and virus detection methods are essential for identifying active bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections, particularly in persistently infected (PI) cattle, which serve as lifelong reservoirs of the virus. These techniques directly target viral proteins or infectious particles, enabling confirmation of current infection status without relying on immune responses. Common approaches include immunohistochemistry, virus isolation, and antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), each offering distinct advantages in sensitivity, specificity, and practicality for field or laboratory use.[59] Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on ear notch skin biopsies is a widely adopted method for screening PI animals, as it detects BVDV antigens in epithelial tissues where the virus persists at high levels. The procedure involves collecting a small skin sample from the ear notch, fixing it, and staining with virus-specific antibodies to visualize infected cells under microscopy. This technique is particularly valuable for on-farm testing due to its non-invasive sampling and ability to preserve tissue morphology for retrospective analysis. IHC demonstrates high diagnostic sensitivity (>95%) and specificity for PI detection, making it reliable for identifying and culling infected individuals in eradication programs.[60][61] Virus isolation in cell culture remains the gold standard for confirming infectious BVDV, especially non-cytopathic strains prevalent in PI cattle. The process entails inoculating serum, buffy coat, or tissue samples onto susceptible bovine cell lines, such as Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, and monitoring for viral replication over 1–3 passages, often confirmed by immunoperoxidase staining. While highly specific (~100%), its sensitivity is lower (<90%) compared to molecular methods, and it is labor-intensive, requiring specialized facilities and being susceptible to interference from maternal antibodies in young calves. This method is best suited for reference laboratories verifying ambiguous results from rapid tests.[59][62] Antigen-capture ELISA provides a rapid, high-throughput alternative for detecting BVDV antigens, such as NS2-3 or Erns proteins, in serum, plasma, or bulk milk samples, facilitating herd-level screening. The assay uses monoclonal antibodies to capture viral antigens, followed by enzymatic detection for quantifiable results, often processable in under 2 hours. It exhibits diagnostic sensitivity of 67–100% and specificity of 98.8–100% relative to virus isolation, with minimal interference in older animals but reduced performance in calves under 3 months due to colostral antibodies. This method's field usability and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for monitoring dairy herds via bulk milk testing.[59][60]| Method | Sample Type | Sensitivity | Specificity | Key Advantages | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | Ear notch skin biopsy | >95% | >95% | High accuracy for PI; tissue visualization | Labor-intensive; requires microscopy |
| Virus Isolation | Serum, buffy coat, tissues | <90% | ~100% | Confirms infectious virus | Time-consuming; antibody interference |
| Antigen-Capture ELISA | Serum, bulk milk | 67–100% | 98.8–100% | Rapid, high-throughput | Less effective in young calves |