Respiratory syncytial virus infection in cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Animal Immunology
• Ruminant Pathology

Background:

• Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is a major pathogen causing respiratory disease in cattle worldwide.
• It plays a key role in enzootic and summer pneumonia, and predisposes to secondary bacterial infections, leading to Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC).
• BRDC results in substantial economic losses due to mortality, reduced production performance, and treatment costs, estimated at nearly $1 billion annually.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection in cattle.
• To discuss epidemiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, lesions, immune responses, and vaccination strategies.
• To compare bovine RSV with human RSV infections where relevant.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on bovine RSV.
• Information was gathered on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and pathological findings.
• Innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as vaccination approaches, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Bovine RSV infection leads to significant respiratory disease and economic impact in the cattle industry.
• The virus contributes to BRDC, causing morbidity, mortality, and long-term production losses.
• Human and bovine RSV share similarities in lesions and immune modulation.

Conclusions:

• Bovine RSV is a critical pathogen with widespread effects on cattle health and industry economics.
• Further understanding of its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and host immune response is vital.
• Effective vaccination strategies are essential for managing and mitigating the impact of bovine RSV.