Search Results (12)

Livestock farming represents a key economic activity in the Tataouine Governorate of southern Tunisia, where cattle and dromedary camels coexist. Varicellovirus bovinealpha1 (BoAHV-1), the etiological agent of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), primarily affects cattle, while its circulation in camelids remains poorly understood. Following recent European Union regulations requiring BoAHV-1 surveillance in multiple animal species, this short communication reports serological findings from dairy cattle and dromedary herds in southern Tunisia. In March 2024, serum samples were collected from four non-vaccinated farms, including two intensive Friesian dairy cattle herds and two extensive dromedary herds (50 animals each). Serum samples from all animals were tested for BoAHV-1 antibodies using competitive commercial gB- and gE-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (c-ELISA) and confirmed by virus neutralization test (VNT). Antibodies against BoAHV-1 were detected in cattle from both dairy farms, with low seroprevalence and neutralizing antibody titers, indicating past or ongoing exposure. In contrast, all dromedary samples tested seronegative by both c-ELISA and VNT. These findings confirm BoAHV-1 circulation in cattle in the Tataouine region and its absence in dromedaries at sampling. Further studies involving larger sample sizes and molecular investigations are required to clarify the potential role of camelids in BoAHV-1 epidemiology in southern Tunisia. Full article

Background/Objectives: A new multivalent vaccine (DIVENCE^® PENTA), containing Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 recombinant proteins, live gE/tk double gene deleted Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1 or IBR), live attenuated Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and inactivated parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3) has been designed to protect cattle against the main viral pathogens associated with Bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of DIVENCE^® PENTA against experimental infections with BVDV-1, BVDV-2, IBR, BRSV and PI-3 in young calves. Methods: Ten-week-old calves were given two intramuscular doses three weeks apart. The efficacy was evaluated by means of an experimental challenge three weeks after vaccination. Serology, clinical signs, rectal temperature, white blood cell count, viral shedding and lung lesions were monitored after the challenge. Results/Conclusions: The results demonstrated a significant sparing of BRD in calves vaccinated with DIVENCE^® PENTA, as evidenced by fewer clinical signs, lower rectal temperatures, reduced viral shedding and less severe pulmonary lesions compared to control animals. A significant reduction in hyperthermia, leukopenia and viraemia post-challenge was also observed, highlighting the efficacy of the multivalent vaccine against BVDV types 1 and 2, IBR, BRSV and PI-3 in young calves. Full article

Objectives: This article presents a study evaluating the antibody levels against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) in Kazakh Whiteheaded calves born to dams immunized with an experimental inactivated combined vaccine against these infections. The vaccine formulation includes the strains “R-93” (IBR) and “Oregon C₂₄V” (BVD), which are preserved in the microorganism collection of the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems. Methods: To assess the immune response in newborn calves, blood serum samples were collected before the first intake of colostrum, followed by weekly sampling for 28 weeks post-birth. The antibody response was determined using a virus neutralization assay on MDBK cell cultures and lamb testicle cell cultures. Results: The results demonstrated that the protective antibody level against the IBR virus (≥2 log₂) persisted for up to 25 weeks, while the protective level against the BVD virus (≥3 log₂) remained for 23 weeks. Based on these findings, the vaccine was deemed safe, as it did not induce abortions or clinical manifestations of the diseases. The overall duration of the colostral immunity in calves against the IBR and BVD viruses reached 23 weeks. Conclusions: Therefore, it is recommended that Kazakh Whiteheaded calves be vaccinated with the associated inactivated vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and bovine viral diarrhea no earlier than 23 weeks of age. Full article

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a re-emerging viral transboundary disease affecting cattle and buffaloes, resulting in a significant socio-economic impact on the affected regions. LSD is primarily transmitted among susceptible livestock through hematophagous vectors, including ticks and flies. Ticks also function as reservoirs for various haemoprotozoan parasites, increasing the likelihood of coinfections in affected animals. This study investigates the comorbidity of LSD and associated risk factors using diverse datasets. A total of 414 samples from LSD-suspected animals were screened for LSD, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), babesiosis, and theileriosis (Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis), as well as anaplasmosis. Among these, 214 (51.6%) tested positive for LSD. A strong correlation was identified between LSD and oriental theileriosis caused by Theileria orientalis (50.9%). Other significant associations were observed with IBR (34.1%), anaplasmosis (24.7%), tropical theileriosis (15.4%), babesiosis (12.6%), and MCF (12.1%). The transmission dynamics of LSD revealed that hematophagous vectors, particularly Stomoxys, Haematobia, and Rhipicephalus, play a crucial role in its spread, especially in unorganised farming systems. Additionally, Haematobia and Stomoxys flies were implicated in the high transmission rate of oriental theileriosis (39%) in conjunction with LSD. Notably, ticks (Rhipicephalus) facilitated the concurrent transmission of one, two, or three infections alongside LSD. While Musca, a non-hematophagous fly, was found to carry LSD virus (LSDV), it did not test positive for other pathogens. This study highlights the potential for cattle to harbour multiple diseases simultaneously with LSD, emphasising the necessity for integrated transmission studies and comprehensive disease screening in affected livestock. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted prevention and control strategies to mitigate disease impact in livestock populations. Full article

Two experiments assessed the effects of providing a vitamin and mineral supplement to gestating beef heifers on concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) in colostrum and calf serum 24 h after feeding maternal colostrum (Exp. 1) or a colostrum-replacement product (Exp. 2). Angus-based heifers (n = 31, Exp. 1; n = 14, Exp. 2) were fed a basal diet (CON) or were fed a basal diet plus a vitamin and mineral supplement (VTM) from breeding (Exp. 1) or 60 d pre-breeding (Exp. 2) through calving. Colostrum was collected at calving, and serum was collected from calves 24 h after colostrum consumption to evaluate passive transfer. Serum was collected from calves in Exp. 1 to determine serum titers in response to vaccination at birth, pasture turn out, weaning, and 14 d after vaccination. Concentrations of IgG, IgM, or IgA in colostrum or in calf serum at 24 h were not impacted by dam treatment (p ≥ 0.21); however, concentrations of Ig in calf serum at 24 h were greater (p ≤ 0.01) in calves receiving maternal colostrum than those receiving a colostrum replacer. Calves born to VTM heifers had greater antibody titers at birth, pasture turn out, and weaning for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVD-2), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), respectively. Our results suggest that the programming of immune function in calves via prenatal nutrition appears to extend postnatally in CON and VTM offspring. Full article

Seronegative latent carriers (SNLCs) are animals that carry the virus without detectable antibodies and pose a risk for disease transmission and diagnostic challenges, suggesting the importance of consideration of marker vaccines in managing them. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated two modified live infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) marker vaccines (single and double deletions) for their ability to generate SNLC calves. These vaccines were administered to four groups (n = 3 in each group) of three-month-old calves in the presence or absence of passive immunity. Three hundred days after the first vaccination and after confirming the IBR seronegativity of all animals, dexamethasone was administered intravenously for five consecutive days. Only animals immunized with the modified live IBR marker vaccine (single deletion) in the absence of passive immunity exhibited a more enduring immune response than those vaccinated in the presence of passive immunity. Moreover, the administration of a modified live IBR marker vaccine (double deletion) to calves with passive immunity generated SNLC. These findings underscore the potential of live IBR marker vaccine (double-deletions) to aid serological diagnostic tools and develop vaccination protocols in achieving the desired immune response, particularly in the context of latent carrier status, offering valuable insights into optimizing vaccination strategies for effective IBR control. Full article

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) caused by bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1) can lead to enormous economic losses in the cattle industry. Vaccine immunization is preferentially used to decrease its transmission speed and resultant clinical signs, rather than to completely stop viral infection. Therefore, a drug effective in treating IBR is urgently needed. Our previous work demonstrated that ivermectin significantly inhibited viral replication in a cell infection model. This study aimed to investigate its antiviral effects in vivo by using a rabbit infection model. The viral inhibition assay was first used to confirm that ivermectin at low concentrations (6–25 nM) could reduce viral titers (TCID₅₀) significantly (p < 0.001) at 24 h post-infection. In rabbits, ivermectin was administrated with one to three doses, based on the recommended anti-parasite treatment dosage (0.2 mg/kg bodyweight) through subcutaneous injection at different days post-infection in the treated IBRV infection groups, while non-treated infection group was used as the control. The infected rabbits showed hyperthermia and other clinical signs, but the number of high-fever rabbits in the ivermectin treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the non-treated infection group. Furthermore, in ivermectin treatment groups, the cumulative clinical scores correlated negatively with drug doses and positively with delay of administration time post-infection. The overall nasal shedding time in ivermectin-treated groups was two days shorter than the non-treated challenge group. At the same time point, the titer of neutralizing antibodies in the treatment group with triple doses was higher than the other two-dose groups, but the difference between the treatment groups decreased with the delay of drug administration. Correspondingly, the serious extent of lung lesions was negatively related to the dosage, but positively related to the delay of drug administration. The qPCR with tissue homogenates showed that the virus was present in both the lung tissues and trigeminals of the infected rabbits. In conclusion, ivermectin treatment had therapeutic effect by decreasing clinical signs and viral shedding, but could not stop virus proliferation in lung tissues and trigeminals. Full article

An analog of a bovine-appeasing substance (BAS) was previously demonstrated to have calming effects, and it could be an alternative to alleviate the stress caused by weaning. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BAS administration at weaning on growth, stress, behavior, and response to vaccination of Nellore calves. Eighty-six Nellore calves (40 females and 46 males) were abruptly weaned and randomly assigned into 1 of 2 treatments: (1) saline solution (0.9% NaCl; n = 43) and (2) BAS (Secure Catte, IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 43). The solutions were topically applied (5 mL/calf) to the nuchal skin area of each animal. On d 0, before treatment application, calves were vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), parainfluenza-3 (PI₃) virus, and bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and 2). Calves from each treatment were kept in different pastures for 15 d (time of BAS action) and then moved to a single pasture. Body weight (BW), blood samples, and temperament in the chute (entry score, chute score, and exit score) were collected on d 0, 3, 8, 15, 51, and 100, and behavior on pasture on d 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Calves assigned to BAS vs. Saline treatment tended to have greater BW on d 15 (p = 0.10), tended to have lower entry scores on d 8 and 51 (p = 0.10), and chute scores on d 8 (p = 0.07), and had lower exit scores on d 8 (p = 0.02). Calves assigned to BAS vs. Saline treatment also had greater time grazing on d 7 and 9 (p < 0.01), eating concentrate on d 2, 5, and 6 (p = 0.05), walking on d 1, 2, 5, and 9 (p < 0.01), standing and ruminating on d 2, 7 and 9 (p < 0.01), and playing on d 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, they had lower time lying on 1 and 2 (p < 0.01), standing on d 5 and 9 (p < 0.01), and vocalizing on d 1 and 2 (p < 0.01). Calves assigned to BAS vs. Saline treatment had greater serum titter concentrations of PI₃ t on d 15 and 51 (p = 0.05) and BVDV-1 on d 51 (p = 0.02). However, they had lower serum concentrations of cortisol on d 3 (p = 0.03). BAS administration did not affect (p ≥ 0.12) the serum titer concentration of IBR and BVDV-2 titers or the plasma concentration of haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin. The BAS administration improved BW, reduced temperament and serum cortisol concentration, and improved behavior and response to vaccination. Full article

The present study assessed dairy cow welfare through the application of the Italian National Animal Welfare Reference Center (CReNBA) checklist in 36 dairy farms located in Ragusa (Italy) subjected to two different management conditions, housing with free access to pasture (Group 1, farms n = 17) and indoor housing (Group 2, farms n = 19). Five areas of investigation were considered: Area A, “Farm management and personnel”; Area B, “Facilities and equipment”; Area C, “Animal-based measures”; Area D, “Inspection of microclimatic environmental conditions and alarm systems”; and Area E, “Biosecurity”. Blood samples were collected by coccygeal venipuncture from all animals (4081 cows). The specific antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Chlamydiophila abortus, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and the bovine herpesvirus were assessed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serological test. Group 1 (access to pasture) showed a lower value of percentage score recorded in Area A (p = 0.02) and E (p = 0.01) than Group 2 (indoor housing). Herpesvirus (Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis - IBR - detection of gB antibodies/IBR-gB) blood concentrations were higher in the cows housed indoor versus those with access to pasture (p = 0.01). Farm management and personnel (score A) was correlated with the level of bovine viral diarrhea virus (τ = 0.3754) and bovine-herpesvirus-specific antibodies (IBR-gB) (τ = 0.4159). “Biosecurity” percentage score showed a significant correlation with Chlamydiophila abortus (τ = −0.4621) in the cows with access to pasture and IBR-gB (τ = 0.3435) in the cows housed fully indoors. Group 2 showed a significantly reduced level of antibodies against Neospora caninum. In conclusion, differences in the welfare assessment score were observed in the “Farm management and personnel” and “Biosecurity” between the two management conditions. It had an effect on the prevalence of herpesvirus, which occurred more in cattle with access to pasture. Therefore, an accurate application of the checklist could be an instrument to prevent and control the spread of infections in farms. Full article

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), is an important disease affecting cattle worldwide resulting in great economic losses. Marker vaccines are effective in controlling infectious diseases including IBR, because they allow the discrimination between the natural infection and the vaccination. Therefore, a triple gene deleted strain BoHV-1 gG-/tk-/gE- was developed and evaluated in vivo and in vitro as a marker vaccine. In cell culture, this triple mutant virus showed significantly slower growth kinetics and smaller plaques when compared to wild-type (wt) BoHV-1 and double mutant BoHV-1 gG-/tk- (p < 0.01). On proteomic level, it revealed downregulation of some virulence related proteins including thymidine kinase, glycoproteins G, E, I, and K when compared to the wt. In vitro, the triple mutant virus showed a significantly lower and shorter viral shedding period (p < 0.001) in calves compared to double mutant. Moreover, the immunized calves with triple mutant virus showed protection rates of 64.2% and 68.6% against wt BoHV-1 and wt BoHV-5 challenge, respectively, without reactivation of latency after dexamethasone injection. In conclusion, BoHV-1 gG-/tk-/gE- is a safer marker vaccine against IBR although its immunogenicity in calves was decreased when compared to double mutant virus. Full article

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 is ubiquitous in cattle populations and is associated with several clinical syndromes, including respiratory disease, genital disease, infertility and abortions. Control of the virus in many parts of the world is achieved primarily through vaccination with either inactivated or live modified viral vaccines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of four commercially available BoHV-1 vaccines commonly used in Central and South America. Animals were divided into eight groups and vaccinated on days 0 and 30. Groups 1 to 4 received two doses of four different BoHV-1 commercial vaccines (named A to D). Groups 5 and 6 received vaccine D plus a vaccine for either Clostridial or Food-and-Mouth-Disease (FMD), respectively. Group 7 received one dose of two different brands of reproductive vaccines. Serum samples were collected from all animals on days 0, 30 and 60 to evaluate neutralizing and isotype-specific (IgG1 and IgG2) antibodies. Of the four commercial vaccines evaluated, only vaccine A induced neutralizing antibodies to titers ≥ 1:8 in 13/15 (86%) of the animals 60 days post-vaccination. Levels of IgG2 antibody increased in all groups, except for group 2 after the first dose of vaccine B. These results show that only vaccine A induced significant and detectable levels of BoHV-1-neutralizing antibodies. The combination of vaccine D with Clostridial or FMD vaccines did not affect neutralizing antibody responses to BoHV-1. The antibody responses of three of the four commercial vaccines analyzed here were lower than admissible by vaccine A. These results may be from vaccination failure, but means to identify the immune signatures predictive of clinical protection against BoHV-1 in cattle should also be considered. Full article

To date, in countries where infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is widespread, its control is associated with deleted marker vaccines. These products lack one or more genes responsible for the synthesis of glycoproteins or enzymes. In Europe, the most widely used marker vaccine is one in which glycoprotein E (gE−) is deleted, and it is marketed in a killed or modified-live form. Using this type of immunization, it is possible to differentiate vaccinated animals (gE−) from those infected or injected with non-deleted (gE+) products using diagnostic tests specific for gE. The disadvantage of using modified-live gE-products is that they may remain latent in immunized animals and be reactivated or excreted following an immunosuppressive stimulus. For this reason, in the last few years, a new marker vaccine became commercially available containing a double deletion related to genes coding for gE and the synthesis of the thymidine-kinase (tk) enzyme, the latter being associated with the reduction of the neurotropism, latency, and reactivation of the vaccine virus. Intramuscularly and intranasally administered marker products induce a humoral immune response; however, the mother-to-calf antibody kinetics after vaccination with marker vaccines is poorly understood. This review discusses several published articles on this topic. Full article