Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2022) | Viewed by 23006

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Interests: infectious diseases, immunology, epidemiology; swine viruses

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Interests: epidemiology and monitoring of swine diseases; veterinary bacteriology; swine diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

In recent years, many pathogens have emerged in livestock, and some are becoming increasingly important. African swine fever virus (ASFV), swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), bluetongue virus (BTV), lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), and H5N8 avian influenza cause diseases of economic importance in livestock, while others such as Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV), porcine bocavirus (PBoV), porcine toroviruses (PtoV), or Schmallenberg virus (SBV) are frequently subclinical. Some emerging viruses, such as porcine hepatitis E virus (swine HEV), porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV), Hendra virus (HeV), or porcine sapovirus (porcine SaV), are potential public health threats. Other pathogens, such as Nipah virus, Bungowannah virus, Menangle virus, livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA), Streptococcus suis, Clostridium difficile, and Cysticercus cellulosae, not only cause disease in animals, but may also pose a significant zoonotic risk to humans. This Special Issue of Viruses will discuss the most important topics related to emerging and re-emerging livestock pathogens that have or may have an impact on animal and/or human health. Your valuable contribution will enrich the current state of knowledge in terms of the epidemiology, diagnostics and control of viral and bacterial diseases of livestock.

Dr. Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
Dr. Arkadiusz Dors
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • emerging disesases
  • re-emerging diseases
  • viral diseases
  • bacterial diseases
  • zoonotic diseases
  • epidemiology
  • diagnostics
  • control and prevention
  • host–pathogen interaction

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 1662 KiB  
Article
Isolation, Identification, and Genetic Phylogenetic Analysis of Two Different Genotypes of Bovine Parainfluenza 3 Virus in China
by Xu Wang, Jianjun Hu, Fanyan Meng, Yiheng Cao, Zijie Wang, Qianyi Zhang, Qian Zhang, Xingxing Zhang, Mengli Han, Tongzhong Wu, Fagang Zhong and Xin Huang
Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2221; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102221 - 9 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3) is one of several viruses that contribute to bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). During this study, isolation of BPIV3 was attempted from 20 PCR-positive swabs by Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells. Nine samples showed obvious cytopathic lesions identified [...] Read more.
Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV3) is one of several viruses that contribute to bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). During this study, isolation of BPIV3 was attempted from 20 PCR-positive swabs by Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells. Nine samples showed obvious cytopathic lesions identified as BPIV3 by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing. The genomes of isolates XJ21032-1 and XJ20055-3 were sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology and determined to have lengths of 15,512 bp and 15,479 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that isolate XJ21032-1 was genotype B, and isolate XJ20055-3 was genotype C. In addition, the two isolates had multiple amino acid changes in nucleocapsid protein, fusion protein, and hemagglutinin/neuraminidase, major antigenic proteins. This allows the further recognition of the presence of BPIV3 type B in Chinese cattle herds. We hope this will help trace the origin of BPIV3, improve the understanding of differences between genotypes, and provide data support for vaccine development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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13 pages, 1590 KiB  
Article
Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in Africa, Europe, and Asia (2005–2022): Multiple Change Point Analysis and Time Series Forecast
by Ayesha Anwar, Kannika Na-Lampang, Narin Preyavichyapugdee and Veerasak Punyapornwithaya
Viruses 2022, 14(10), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14102203 - 7 Oct 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6145
Abstract
LSD is an important transboundary disease affecting the cattle industry worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine trends and significant change points, and to forecast the number of LSD outbreak reports in Africa, Europe, and Asia. LSD outbreak report data (January [...] Read more.
LSD is an important transboundary disease affecting the cattle industry worldwide. The objectives of this study were to determine trends and significant change points, and to forecast the number of LSD outbreak reports in Africa, Europe, and Asia. LSD outbreak report data (January 2005 to January 2022) from the World Organization for Animal Health were analyzed. We determined statistically significant change points in the data using binary segmentation, and forecast the number of LSD reports using auto-regressive moving average (ARIMA) and neural network auto-regressive (NNAR) models. Four significant change points were identified for each continent. The year between the third and fourth change points (2016–2019) in the African data was the period with the highest mean of number of LSD reports. All change points of LSD outbreaks in Europe corresponded with massive outbreaks during 2015–2017. Asia had the highest number of LSD reports in 2019 after the third detected change point in 2018. For the next three years (2022–2024), both ARIMA and NNAR forecast a rise in the number of LSD reports in Africa and a steady number in Europe. However, ARIMA predicts a stable number of outbreaks in Asia, whereas NNAR predicts an increase in 2023–2024. This study provides information that contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of LSD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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14 pages, 3406 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Features of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 in a Densely Populated Area of Lombardy (Italy) during the Epidemic Season 2021–2022
by Silvia Bellini, Alessandra Scaburri, Erika Molica Colella, Monica Pierangela Cerioli, Veronica Cappa, Stefania Calò, Marco Tironi, Mario Chiari, Claudia Nassuato, Ana Moreno, Marco Farioli and Giuseppe Merialdi
Viruses 2022, 14(9), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14091890 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2357
Abstract
In the last two years, there have been three major epidemic seasons in the territory of the European Union and the HPAI epizootic in 2021–2022 is the most severe in recent history. In Italy, the disease was introduced to dense poultry areas with [...] Read more.
In the last two years, there have been three major epidemic seasons in the territory of the European Union and the HPAI epizootic in 2021–2022 is the most severe in recent history. In Italy, the disease was introduced to dense poultry areas with serious economic consequences for the entire sector. In Lombardy, the analysis of the risk factors was carried out, also taking into account the density of domestic birds. In the most affected areas, 66.7% of the outbreaks occurred in the areas with the highest poultry density and the likelihood of an outbreak occurring increased with an increase in the density of birds per km2. In cells 10 × 10 km with a density greater than 10,000 birds/km2, the probability of outbreak occurrence was over 66.7%. The provinces involved in the last epidemic were the same involved in previous epidemics and, given the risk factors present in the area, it is plausible that the risk remains high also for future epidemic seasons. Therefore, to avoid the repetition of similar events, certain control measures shall be strengthened and vaccination considered as a complementary tool for the control of HPAI virus in risk areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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17 pages, 3630 KiB  
Article
The Emergence and Pathogenesis of Recombinant Viruses Associated with NADC34-like Strains and the Predominant Circulating Strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Southern China
by Xindong Wang, Kang Zhang, Qingrong Mo, Guochang Chen, Jing Lv, Jing Huang, Yanli Pang, Hao Wang, Wenbo Liu, Kai Huang, Xiangling Min, Tongwei Ren, Kang Ouyang, Ying Chen, Weijian Huang and Zuzhang Wei
Viruses 2022, 14(8), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14081695 - 31 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Since its recent appearance in China, the NADC30-like strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 (PRRSV-2) have caused an expanding epidemic, and this has further expanded the genetic diversity of PRRSV. In this study, three NADC30-like strains—GXFCG20210401, GXQZ20210403 and GXNN20210506—were isolated [...] Read more.
Since its recent appearance in China, the NADC30-like strains of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 (PRRSV-2) have caused an expanding epidemic, and this has further expanded the genetic diversity of PRRSV. In this study, three NADC30-like strains—GXFCG20210401, GXQZ20210403 and GXNN20210506—were isolated from pig serum samples obtained in Guangxi, and their genomes were sequenced. A comparative analysis of the whole genomes showed that the three strains were most similar to NADC30 (88.3–88.7%). In particular, the non-structural protein coding regions (nsp1, nsp4-5, nsp7-8 and nsp9) showed the highest similarities to JXA1, and the ORF2a-ORF5 regions showed the highest similarities to NADC34. The three strains had same discontinuous deletions of 111+1+19 amino acids in the nsp2 region, which were similar to the NADC30-like strains. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on the ORF5 gene showed that the three PRRSV isolates were divided into lineage 1.5 along with the representative NADC34-like strains, but they were classified as NADC30-like strains with respect to the whole genome and nsp2 evolutionary trees. Recombinant analysis revealed complex recombination patterns in the genomes of the three strains, which likely originated from multiple recombination events among JXA1-like, NADC30-like and NADC34-like strains. The results from animal experiments showed that the GXQZ20210403 strain was 20% lethal to piglets and caused more severe clinical reactions than GXFCG20210401, and both recombinant strains were similar in terms of pathogenicity to the previously reported NADC34 strains. This study demonstrates that NADC34-like strains of PRRSV have been circulating in the southern provinces of China and have exchanged genomes with several other indigenous strains. In addition, differences in recombination patterns may cause different clinical pathogenicity and indicate the importance of the surveillance and preventive control of recombinant strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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19 pages, 6564 KiB  
Article
Recombinant Muscovy Duck Parvovirus Led to Ileac Damage in Muscovy Ducklings
by Jiahui He, Yukun Zhang, Zezhong Hu, Luxuan Zhang, Guanming Shao, Zi Xie, Yu Nie, Wenxue Li, Yajuan Li, Liyi Chen, Benli Huang, Fengsheng Chu, Keyu Feng, Wencheng Lin, Hongxin Li, Weiguo Chen, Xinheng Zhang and Qingmei Xie
Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071471 - 3 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2125
Abstract
Waterfowl parvovirus (WPFs) has multiple effects on the intestinal tract, but the effects of recombinant Muscovy duck parvovirus (rMDPV) have not been elucidated. In this study, 48 one-day-old Muscovy ducklings were divided into an infected group and a control group. Plasma and ileal [...] Read more.
Waterfowl parvovirus (WPFs) has multiple effects on the intestinal tract, but the effects of recombinant Muscovy duck parvovirus (rMDPV) have not been elucidated. In this study, 48 one-day-old Muscovy ducklings were divided into an infected group and a control group. Plasma and ileal samples were collected from both groups at 2, 4, 6, and 8 days post-infection (dpi), both six ducklings at a time. Next, we analyzed the genomic sequence of the rMDPV strain. Results showed that the ileal villus structure was destroyed seriously at 4, 6, 8 dpi, and the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 decreased at 4, 6 dpi; 4, 6, 8 dpi; and 2, 6 dpi, respectively. Intestinal cytokines IFN-α, IL-1β and IL-6 increased at 6 dpi; 8 dpi; and 6, 8 dpi, respectively, whereas IL-2 decreased at 6, 8 dpi. The diversity of ileal flora increased significantly at 4 dpi and decreased at 8 dpi. The bacteria Ochrobactrum and Enterococcus increased and decreased at 4, 8 dpi; 2, 4 dpi, respectively. Plasma MDA increased at 2 dpi, SOD, CAT, and T-AOC decreased at 2, 4, 8 dpi; 4, 8 dpi; and 4, 6, 8 dpi, respectively. These results suggest that rMDPV infection led to early intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, ileac microbiota disruption, and oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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16 pages, 11787 KiB  
Article
Expanded Diversity and Host Range of Bovine Hepacivirus—Genomic and Serological Evidence in Domestic and Wild Ruminant Species
by Jana Breitfeld, Nicole Fischer, Ilia Tsachev, Plamen Marutsov, Magdalena Baymakova, Radim Plhal, Oliver Keuling, Paul Becher and Christine Baechlein
Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1457; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071457 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1857
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) can cause acute as well as persistent infections in cattle. The true clinical relevance of the virus is not yet known. As reliable antibody detection methods are lacking and prevalence studies have only been conducted [...] Read more.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) can cause acute as well as persistent infections in cattle. The true clinical relevance of the virus is not yet known. As reliable antibody detection methods are lacking and prevalence studies have only been conducted in cattle and few countries to date, the true distribution, genetic diversity, and host range is probably greatly underestimated. In this study, we applied several RT-PCR methods and a nano-luciferase-based immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay to analyze bovine serum samples from Bulgaria as well as wild ruminant sera from Germany and the Czech Republic. Using these methods, BovHepV infections were confirmed in Bulgarian cattle, with viral genomes detected in 6.9% and serological reactions against the BovHepV NS3 helicase domain in 10% of bovine serum samples. Genetic analysis demonstrated co-circulation of highly diverse BovHepV strains in Bulgarian cattle, and three novel BovHepV subtypes within the genotype 1 could be defined. Furthermore, application of a nested RT-PCR led to the first description of a BovHepV variant (genotype 2) in a wild ruminant species. The results of this study significantly enhance our knowledge of BovHepV distribution, genetic diversity, and host range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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15 pages, 2889 KiB  
Article
Recombinant LSDV Strains in Asia: Vaccine Spillover or Natural Emergence?
by Frank Vandenbussche, Elisabeth Mathijs, Wannes Philips, Meruyert Saduakassova, Ilse De Leeuw, Akhmetzhan Sultanov, Andy Haegeman and Kris De Clercq
Viruses 2022, 14(7), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14071429 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3260
Abstract
From 2017 to 2019, several vaccine-like recombinant strains of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) were discovered in Kazakhstan and neighbouring regions of Russia and China. Shortly before their emergence, the authorities in Kazakhstan launched a mass vaccination campaign with the Neethling-based Lumpivax vaccine. [...] Read more.
From 2017 to 2019, several vaccine-like recombinant strains of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) were discovered in Kazakhstan and neighbouring regions of Russia and China. Shortly before their emergence, the authorities in Kazakhstan launched a mass vaccination campaign with the Neethling-based Lumpivax vaccine. Since none of the other countries in the affected region had used a homologous LSDV vaccine, it was soon suspected that the Lumpivax vaccine was the cause of these unusual LSDV strains. In this study, we performed a genome-wide molecular analysis to investigate the composition of two Lumpivax vaccine batches and to establish a possible link between the vaccine and the recent outbreaks. Although labelled as a pure Neethling-based LSDV vaccine, the Lumpivax vaccine appears to be a complex mixture of multiple CaPVs. Using an iterative enrichment/assembly strategy, we obtained the complete genomes of a Neethling-like LSDV vaccine strain, a KSGP-like LSDV vaccine strain and a Sudan-like GTPV strain. The same analysis also revealed the presence of several recombinant LSDV strains that were (almost) identical to the recently described vaccine-like LSDV strains. Based on their InDel/SNP signatures, the vaccine-like recombinant strains can be divided into four groups. Each group has a distinct breakpoint pattern resulting from multiple recombination events, with the number of genetic exchanges ranging from 126 to 146. The enormous divergence of the recombinant strains suggests that they arose during seed production. The recent emergence of vaccine-like LSDV strains in large parts of Asia is, therefore, most likely the result of a spillover from animals vaccinated with the Lumpivax vaccine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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13 pages, 1203 KiB  
Article
Bluetongue Virus Infection of Goats: Re-Emerged European Serotype 8 vs. Two Atypical Serotypes
by Christina Ries, Martin Beer and Bernd Hoffmann
Viruses 2022, 14(5), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/v14051034 - 13 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1799
Abstract
In recent years, numerous atypical Bluetongue virus (BTV) strains have been discovered all around the world. Atypical BTV strains are phylogenetically distinct from the classical BTV serotypes 1–24 and differ in terms of several biological features. For the first time, the atypical strains [...] Read more.
In recent years, numerous atypical Bluetongue virus (BTV) strains have been discovered all around the world. Atypical BTV strains are phylogenetically distinct from the classical BTV serotypes 1–24 and differ in terms of several biological features. For the first time, the atypical strains BTV-25-GER2018 and BTV-33-MNG3/2016 as well as the re-emerged classical strain BTV-8-GER2018 were evaluated comparatively in a pathogenesis study in goats—the natural host of atypical BTV. A substantial number of in-contact animals were included in this study to detect potential contact transmissions of the virus. After infection, EDTA blood, ocular, nasal and oral swab samples as well as serum were collected regularly and were used for virological and serological analyses, respectively. Our study showed differences in the immunological reaction between the two atypical BTV strains (no group-specific antibody detection) and the classical BTV strain BTV-8-GER2018 (group-specific antibody detection). Furthermore, we observed an increase in the total WBC count (neutrophils and lymphocytes) in goats infected with the atypical BTV strains. No horizontal transmission was seen for all three strains. Our study suggests that the atypical BTVs used in the trial differ from classical BTVs in their immunopathogenesis. However, no evidence of direct contact transmission was found. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens of Livestock)
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