Buffalopox: an emerging and re-emerging zoonosis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Buffalopox virus (BPXV) causes significant economic losses in dairy animals through mastitis.
• While generalized forms are rare, severe localized udder infections persist, impacting milk production.
• BPXV is an Orthopoxvirus closely related to Vaccinia virus (VACV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology of buffalopox outbreaks.
• To discuss novel diagnostic methods for buffalopox.
• To analyze the molecular biology and genetic relationships of BPXV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of buffalopox outbreaks and research.
• Analysis of genetic sequencing data for BPXV and related viruses.
• Comparison of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and gene sequencing findings.

Main Results:

• BPXV outbreaks continue globally, with a shift towards severe localized forms affecting udders.
• Molecular studies confirm BPXV's close phylogenetic relationship to VACV, suggesting it may be a clade.
• Genetic analyses provide insights into viral pathogenesis and evolutionary links within the Orthopoxvirus genus.

Conclusions:

• Understanding BPXV epidemiology and diagnostics is crucial for disease control in livestock.
• The close genetic link between BPXV and VACV has implications for vaccine development and viral classification.
• Further research into BPXV molecular biology can enhance our ability to manage and prevent zoonotic poxvirus infections.