[Molecular characterization of the hog cholera virus]

The molecular biology of hog cholera virus (HCV) was studied. After reverse transcription of the viral RNA the cDNA was cloned in the expression vector lambda gt11. HCV clones were identified using antibodies as a probe. Partial sequencing of one HCV-derived cDNA clone revealed a high degree of homology to a portion of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). One goal of these studies is the preparation of defined, effective and safe vaccines against pestiviruses.