Cowpox virus in llama, Italy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Zoonotic Disease Research
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• Cowpox virus (CPXV) is an orthopoxvirus known to infect various mammals.
• Understanding the epidemiology and host range of CPXV is crucial for public health and animal welfare.
• Previous outbreaks have been documented in wildlife and domestic animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first isolation of Cowpox virus from a llama.
• To characterize the isolated CPXV strain.
• To investigate potential transmission pathways between animals and humans.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of the virus from llama skin lesions.
• Transmission electron microscopy for viral morphology.
• Serological testing for CPXV antibodies in llamas and humans.
• Viral sequencing of the hemagglutinin gene.

Main Results:

• Cowpox virus was successfully isolated from a llama in Italy.
• Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of orthopoxvirus particles.
• Llamas and humans in contact with the affected animal showed CPXV antibodies.
• The CPXV isolate's hemagglutinin sequence matched strains from German-sourced banded mongooses.

Conclusions:

• This study confirms a llama as a susceptible host for Cowpox virus.
• The genetic similarity suggests a potential link between European wildlife reservoirs and this llama case.
• The presence of antibodies in humans indicates a possible zoonotic transmission event.