Genetic Variability of Pestivirus A (BVDV-1) Circulating in Cattle From Eastern Turkey

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection, caused by Pestiviruses A and B, with various clinical findings and causes significant economic losses. This disease is common in Turkey as well as in other countries, especially in European countries.

This study was designed to determine the genotypes of BVDVs and their variability among cattle in eastern Turkey.

A total of 110 samples from 85 cattle suspected of BVDV infection were tested using RT-PCR with primers targeting the 5'UTR, autoprotease (N^pro) and E2 gene regions of pestiviruses. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed on the 5'UTR and N^pro gene regions of these samples.

Analysis of 15 sequences obtained from 13 cattle revealed that Pestivirus A (BVDV-1) was responsible for the infection. In addition, the study identified subgenotypes BVDV-1a (n = 5), 1b (n = 5), 1d (n = 1), 1f (n = 1), 1l (n = 1) and 1r (n = 2). No evidence of infection with Pestivirus B (BVDV-2), Pestivirus D (Border disease virus) or Pestivirus H (HoBi-like virus/BVDV-3) was found.

The significance of pestiviruses in causing genital and respiratory problems is once again emphasised, underscoring the necessity of including them in herd screening. Identifying BVDV genetic diversity both in Turkey and worldwide is crucial for developing effective protection, control and eradication strategies, particularly for vaccination programs. As a conclusion, the identification of BVDV-1a, 1b, 1d, 1f, 1l and 1r in the eastern provinces of Turkey points to an increase in BVDV-1 genetic diversity.