Persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus in an alpaca

Abstract

To date, BVDV infection in New World camelids has not been regarded as a major disease entity. Findings in the cria of this report illustrate that some strains of BVDV readily infect alpacas. Clinical description of the disease plus clinicopathologic findings suggest that persistent BVDV infection may be greatly overlooked as a cause of chronic anemia and failure to thrive in alpacas.

Disseminated Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in a Persistently Infected Alpaca (Vicugna Pacos) Cria

“…14,21 However, current evidence suggests that BVDV might be an emerging and significant disease of alpacas. 2,5,8,10,15 The recent increase in cases within alpacas is likely multifactorial and might involve the emergence of a novel viral strain, differences in animal management practices, or increased awareness of BVDV by alpaca owners. The BVDV genome is known to be dynamic, with replication of any isolate giving rise to a viral swarm until a predominant strain emerges, and one of these could have an increased predilection for alpacas.…”

“…The BVDV genome is known to be dynamic, with replication of any isolate giving rise to a viral swarm until a predominant strain emerges, and one of these could have an increased predilection for alpacas. 6,15 Preliminary research indicates the recent BVDV infections in alpacas have been primarily noncytopathic BVDV-1b strain. 2,5,8,10 Research on PI bovine fetuses and calves has identified virus in all tissues and shedding occurring from multiple sites.…”

Evidence for Persistent Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in a Captive Mountain Goat (Oreamnos Americanus)

“…The current standard for definitive determination of PI status in cattle requires 1 of 2 criteria: identification of virus in 2 separate serum or buffy coat samples with a minimum of 21 days between sample collections 16,21 and identification of BVDV antigen by immunohistochemistry on skin biopsy specimens (preferably repeated after 30 days). 17,20,25,28 Although the additional evidence of seronegativity over time could provide further evidence of persistent infection in goat 2, the sensitivity of the virus neutralization assay is compromised since BVDV-1a was used as the challenge virus. Nevertheless, goat 2 fully meets the criteria for persistent infection with BVDV since the virus was directly detected with both virus isolation and RT-qPCR from multiple samples collected over a 3-month period.…”

“…32 Currently, there are only a few reports describing acute disease in wild ruminants, specifically in white-tailed deer. 35,46 In addition to cattle, persistent BVDV infection has been definitively identified in domestic sheep, 37 alpaca, 8,25 and pigs. 39 Although there are reports of definitive natural and experimental persistent infection in wild ruminants including mouse deer, 42,44 whitetailed deer, 29 and eland, 48 there are suspected persistent infections in other artiodactylids.…”

“…), 13 nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), 13 axis deer (Axis axis), 13 and barasingha deer (Cervus duvaucelii). 13 In addition, BVDV has been isolated from alpacas, 25 sheep, and goats following natural infections. 26,33,37 Because BVDV infections result in significant economic losses in beef cattle, this virus has been the subject of intense research.…”