Identification and Genetic Characterization of Viral Pathogens in Ruminant Gestation Abnormalities, Israel,...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Ruminant Pathology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Viral infections are a major cause of reproductive losses in livestock, leading to abortions and congenital abnormalities.
• Identifying causative viral agents is crucial for disease control and prevention in ruminant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and types of viruses associated with aborted or malformed ruminant fetuses in Israel.
• To determine the contribution of specific viral families (reoviruses, flaviviruses, peribunyaviruses, etc.) to pregnancy abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of samples from aborted/malformed ruminant fetuses (2015-2019) using molecular and antigen detection techniques.
• Testing for a panel of specific viruses: BTV, EHDV, BVDV, BDV, SHUV, AKAV, BoHV-1, and BEFV.
• Inclusion of domestic (cattle, sheep, goat) and wild/zoo ruminants.

Main Results:

• Viral nucleic acid or antigen was detected in 21.8% (213/976) of abnormal pregnancies.
• Peribunyaviruses, reoviruses, and pestiviruses were the most prevalent viral groups identified.
• Multiple bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes, Akabane virus (AKAV), Shuni virus (SHUV), and various pestivirus strains (BDV, BVDV) were identified.

Conclusions:

• Various viruses significantly contribute to abnormal pregnancy courses in ruminants in Israel.
• Akabane virus (AKAV) showed notable circulation, particularly in small domestic ruminants in 2018.
• The findings highlight the diverse viral etiology of reproductive failures in Israeli ruminants.