Pestiviruses: old enemies and new challenges

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Animal Health

Background:

• A joint meeting by the US BVDV Symposia Committee and the European Society for Veterinary Virology highlighted the need for global pestivirus control.
• The meeting theme, "Pestiviruses: Old enemies and new challenges," addressed the inadequacy of regional disease control strategies.
• The global trade in animal products necessitates a unified approach to managing pestivirus infections.

Discussion:

• Emerging pestiviruses, like HoBi-like viruses, require international cooperation for effective management.
• Papers in this issue cover pestiviruses' interaction with the immune system, their genetic variability, and the emergence of new strains.
• Pestivirus control programs are discussed in the context of a global challenge.

Key Insights:

• Regional pestivirus control efforts are insufficient due to international animal product trade.
• Collaborative, global strategies are essential for controlling newly identified pestiviruses.
• Understanding pestivirus genetic diversity and host immune responses is key to developing effective control measures.

Outlook:

• Future research should focus on international collaboration for pestivirus surveillance and control.
• Continued investigation into the evolution and spread of pestiviruses is critical for preventing future outbreaks.
• The development of unified global strategies for pestivirus management will enhance animal health worldwide.