Evidence for Tunisian-Like Pestiviruses Presence in Small Ruminants in Italy Since 2007

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pestiviruses are RNA viruses causing significant diseases in livestock.
• High pestivirus genome variability impacts disease management.
• Ruminant pestiviruses often exhibit low species specificity, infecting multiple hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To molecularly characterize pestiviruses found in sheep and goats in Sicily, Italy.
• To investigate the genetic diversity and origins of pestivirus strains in small ruminants.
• To provide insights into pestivirus epidemiology in the Mediterranean region.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic analysis of two viral genomic regions (5'-UTR and N^pro).
• Isolation and sequencing of pestiviruses from ovine and caprine herds.
• Comparison of viral genetic sequences with known pestivirus strains.

Main Results:

• Detection of multiple pestivirus genotypes in Sicilian small ruminants.
• Identification of BVDV-1d strains, previously unreported in Sicily.
• Discovery of Tunisian-like pestivirus isolates, including the first from goats, suggesting a new species presence.

Conclusions:

• Pestivirus diversity in Italian small ruminants is greater than previously recognized.
• The presence of Tunisian-like pestiviruses in Italy represents a significant epidemiological finding.
• This study underscores the importance of continuous molecular surveillance for pestivirus in livestock.