Identification of bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 in Indian buffaloes and their genetic relationship with cattle strains in 5′ UTR.

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) caused by either bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 1 (BVDV 1) or BVDV 2 is responsible for significant economic losses in cattle and buffaloes. We recently established prevalence of BVDV 1b viruses in Indian cattle. Detection and typing of BVDV in Indian buffaloes is yet to be reported, though buffaloes and cattle contribute equally to livestock production systems in India. In this study, we report identification of BVDV 1 in Indian buffaloes and their genetic relationship with cattle strains. The 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 15 BVDVs amplified directly from clinical samples of buffaloes and cattle by RT--PCR during 2001--05 was sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 11 samples from cattle and three from buffaloes clustered with BVDV 1b, whereas one buffalo sample clustered with BVDV 1c, which may be its true representative. The study established prevalence of BVDV 1b and 1c subtypes in Indian buffaloes and close relationship among cattle and buffalo 1b viruses. Detection of BVDV 1b in cattle serum used as nutrient component recognized the need for mandatory testing of bovine sera before using for cell culture and manufacturing of veterinary vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]