Colostral transmission of bluetongue virus nucleic acid among newborn dairy calves in California.

ABSTRACT: There have been substantial recent changes in the global distribution and nature of bluetongue virus (BTV) infection of ungulates, perhaps as a result of climate change. To evaluate the epidemiology of BTV infection in California, an area historically endemic for the virus, we monitored newborn dairy calves at different sites for 1 year for the presence of BTV RNA and virus-specific antibodies. The data confirm both localized, vector-mediated, seasonal transmission of BTV as well as dissemination of BTV and/or viral nucleic acid to newborn calves following ingestion of colostrum.

SUBMITTER: Mayo CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2908191 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature