Effects of bovine herpesvirus type 1 infection in calves with maternal antibodies on immune response and virus latency

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis: Unveiling the hidden threat to livestock productivity and global trade

An infectious disease called infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) can lead to a number of disorders affecting cattle's respiratory system. The disease is caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoAHV-1). Based on antigenic and genetic characteristics, BoAHV-1 strains are divided into subtypes 1.1, 1.2a, 1.2b, and 1.3. IBR is currently widespread throughout the world, with the exception of a few nations that have achieved eradication. The most significant characteristic of this illness is that, after a clinical or subclinical infection, the virus typically establishes a latent condition that can later be reactivated in the presence of stress, immunosuppressive conditions/substances, or other diseases. Primarily, the virus spreads by direct or indirect contact between animals. It may also be transmitted via the reproductive system, causing infectious balanoposthitis or vulvovaginitis. Most virus subtypes are associated with reproductive failure, such as fetal or embryonic resorption and abortions. The virus may also be transmitted through semen, which could lead to genital transfer. Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) infection produces a variety of lesions. Lesion in the mucosal surface usually consists of white necrotic material. Regular methods for diagnosing BoHV-1 infections include isolation in cell culture, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, virus neutralisation test, and methods based on identification of nucleic acids, like PCR. The interplay of several host, pathogen, environmental, and management factors affects the spread of IBR. Through its impacts on health and fitness, IBR can lead to production losses. In order to minimize the severity of clinical signs and stop the infection from spreading, the veterinarian may advise that sick or at-risk animals be placed under immediate isolation and vaccinated (such as intranasal vaccination, including the use of both killed and live attenuated virus vaccines) as soon as an IBR diagnosis is obtained.

The biology and development of vaccines for bovine alphaherpesvirus 1

Bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoAHV-1) infections lead to compromised herd health and significantly reduced productivity of affected cattle. While BoAHV-1 may cause rhinotracheitis, conjunctivitis, genital infections, and abortions, respiratory tract infections constitute the predominant clinical disease. Immune suppression induced by BoAHV-1 may contribute to co-infections initiating the bovine respiratory disease complex. In this review, the emphasis is to recapitulate the biology and the vaccine technologies currently in use and in development for BoAHV-1, and to discuss the major limitations. Studies on the life cycle and host interactions of BoAHV-1 have resulted in the identification of virulence factors. While several vaccine types, such as vectored vaccines and subunit vaccines, are under investigation, modified live and inactivated BoAHV-1 vaccines are still most frequently used in most areas of the world, whereas attenuated and inactivated marker vaccines are in use in Europe. The knowledge gained from studies on the biology of BoAHV-1 can form a basis for the rational design of future vaccines.

Serological Responses of Guinea Pigs and Heifers to Eight Different BoAHV-1 Vaccine Formulations

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV-1) infection affects the production and reproductive performance of dairy and beef livestock, resulting in considerable economic losses. In addition to biosecurity measures, vaccination programs are effective strategies for controlling and preventing BoAHV-1 infection and transmission. We evaluated the serological immune response against BoAHV-1 induced by eight different formulations of commercial vaccines: three modified live vaccines and five killed vaccines containing BoAHV type 1 or types 1 and 5. In the first experiment, 50 BoAHV-1-seronegative guinea pigs were assigned to eight groups; each individual in the treatment groups received two doses (one-fifth of the bovine dose). The second experiment was conducted using 29 crossbred Holstein × Gir heifers in four groups of six to nine animals each. The serological immune response against BoAHV-1 was measured using virus neutralization and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure the total IgG against BoAHV. We evaluated the effects of the vaccine, time, and interaction of the vaccine and time on neutralizing antibodies against BoAHV-1. Killed vaccines produced low levels of antibodies against BoAHV-1, whereas modified live vaccines produced high levels of antibodies capable of providing neutralizing titers in the vaccinated animals, with the thermosensitive modified live vaccine showing the highest levels of antibodies.

Risk assessment and seroprevalence of bovine herpesvirus type 1 infection in dairy herds in the inner Aegean Region of Turkey

This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) infection in dairy cattle herds in Afyonkarahisar province in the Aegean Region of Turkey. Blood samples were collected from 602 cattle from 56 unvaccinated dairy herds between May 2018 and June 2019. Animal and herd-level epidemiological information was collected with a questionnaire during blood collection. Specific antibodies against BoHV-1 and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) were detected by using a virus neutralization test and a commercial indirect ELISA kit, respectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine any association between categorical variables and BoHV-1 seropositivity. The animal-level and herd-level seroprevalences of BoHV-1 infection were determined to be 39.53% (95% confidence interval, CI: 35.71-43.50) and 73.21% (95% CI: 60.41-83.04), respectively. Within-herd prevalence was more than 50% in 34.14% of infected herds. Cattle age (odds ratio, OR= 2.34, 95% CI: 1.58-3.44), BVDV infection (OR= 7.74, 95% CI: 5.08-11.76), and the presence of goats in the herd (OR= 2.84, 95% CI: 1.91-4.19) were identified as risk factors for BoHV-1 seropositivity by the multivariable logistic regression model. This is the first study conducted in Turkey using two-layer sampling and logistic regression analyses to determine the herd-level and animal-level seroprevalence and associated risk factors of BoHV-1 infection.

Recent Development of Ruminant Vaccine Against Viral Diseases

Pathogens of viral origin produce a large variety of infectious diseases in livestock. It is essential to establish the best practices in animal care and an efficient way to stop and prevent infectious diseases that impact animal husbandry. So far, the greatest way to combat the disease is to adopt a vaccine policy. In the fight against infectious diseases, vaccines are very popular. Vaccination's fundamental concept is to utilize particular antigens, either endogenous or exogenous to induce immunity against the antigens or cells. In light of how past emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and pandemics were handled, examining the vaccination methods and technological platforms utilized for the animals may provide some useful insights. New vaccine manufacturing methods have evolved because of developments in technology and medicine and our broad knowledge of immunology, molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, among other basic science disciplines. Genetic engineering, proteomics, and other advanced technologies have aided in implementing novel vaccine theories, resulting in the discovery of new ruminant vaccines and the improvement of existing ones. Subunit vaccines, recombinant vaccines, DNA vaccines, and vectored vaccines are increasingly gaining scientific and public attention as the next generation of vaccines and are being seen as viable replacements to conventional vaccines. The current review looks at the effects and implications of recent ruminant vaccine advances in terms of evolving microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.

Field Evaluation of Commercial Vaccines against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (Ibr) Virus Using Different Immunization Protocols

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 is ubiquitous in cattle populations and is associated with several clinical syndromes, including respiratory disease, genital disease, infertility and abortions. Control of the virus in many parts of the world is achieved primarily through vaccination with either inactivated or live modified viral vaccines. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of four commercially available BoHV-1 vaccines commonly used in Central and South America. Animals were divided into eight groups and vaccinated on days 0 and 30. Groups 1 to 4 received two doses of four different BoHV-1 commercial vaccines (named A to D). Groups 5 and 6 received vaccine D plus a vaccine for either Clostridial or Food-and-Mouth-Disease (FMD), respectively. Group 7 received one dose of two different brands of reproductive vaccines. Serum samples were collected from all animals on days 0, 30 and 60 to evaluate neutralizing and isotype-specific (IgG1 and IgG2) antibodies. Of the four commercial vaccines evaluated, only vaccine A induced neutralizing antibodies to titers ≥ 1:8 in 13/15 (86%) of the animals 60 days post-vaccination. Levels of IgG2 antibody increased in all groups, except for group 2 after the first dose of vaccine B. These results show that only vaccine A induced significant and detectable levels of BoHV-1-neutralizing antibodies. The combination of vaccine D with Clostridial or FMD vaccines did not affect neutralizing antibody responses to BoHV-1. The antibody responses of three of the four commercial vaccines analyzed here were lower than admissible by vaccine A. These results may be from vaccination failure, but means to identify the immune signatures predictive of clinical protection against BoHV-1 in cattle should also be considered.

Age of first infection across a range of parasite taxa in a wild mammalian population

Newborn mammals have an immature immune system that cannot sufficiently protect them against infectious diseases. However, variation in the effectiveness of maternal immunity against different parasites may couple with temporal trends in parasite exposure to influence disparities in the timing of infection risk. Determining the relationship between age and infection risk is critical in identifying the portion of a host population that contributes to parasite dynamics, as well as the parasites that regulate host recruitment. However, there are no data directly identifying timing of first infection among parasites in wildlife. Here, we took advantage of a longitudinal dataset, tracking infection status by viruses, bacteria, protists and gastro-intestinal worms in a herd of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) to ask: how does age of first infection differ among parasite taxa? We found distinct differences in the age of first infection among parasites that aligned with the mode of transmission and parasite taxonomy. Specifically, we found that tick-borne and environmentally transmitted protists were acquired earlier than directly transmitted bacteria and viruses. These results emphasize the importance of understanding infection risk in juveniles, especially in host species where juveniles are purported to sustain parasite persistence and/or where mortality rates of juveniles influence population dynamics.

Vaccinating Calves in the Face of Maternal Antibodies: Challenges and Opportunities

A growing body of evidence has shown that calves can mount an immune response when vaccinated in the face of maternal antibodies (IFOMA), albeit inconsistently and often in ways that differ from seronegative calves or older cattle. Several previous reviews have endeavored to explain bovine neonatal immunology and have documented the issue of vaccinating young calves. However, as preweaning vaccination becomes more common in both beef and dairy production systems, so too has research on the impacts of such vaccination programs. This article aims to briefly review the challenges and opportunities for vaccinating calves IFOMA.

Vaccine usage in western Canadian cow-calf herds

The aims of this study were to describe when and how vaccines are administered during the production cycle in cow-calf herds in western Canada, as well as the factors that influence vaccine usage as reported by producers. The most commonly used vaccines were bovine viral diarrhea virus/infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (BVDV/IBR) in adult animals and clostridial vaccines in calves. While there has been improvement in usage of reproductive and respiratory viral vaccines since previous studies, there are still several areas in which uptake could be improved. Only 72% of herd owners vaccinated their bulls for at least 1 disease. Not all producers are vaccinating their calves for clostridial diseases, and 15% of producers did not vaccinate their calves for respiratory disease before weaning. One goal of increasing vaccine use is to obtain better infection prevention and control and decrease antimicrobial use in cow-calf herds. Two areas in which antimicrobials are commonly used, but vaccine uptake is limited, are foot rot in adult cows and diarrhea in calves.

Antibody Responses to Bovine Alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) in Passively Immunized Calves

To date, in countries where infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is widespread, its control is associated with deleted marker vaccines. These products lack one or more genes responsible for the synthesis of glycoproteins or enzymes. In Europe, the most widely used marker vaccine is one in which glycoprotein E (gE-) is deleted, and it is marketed in a killed or modified-live form. Using this type of immunization, it is possible to differentiate vaccinated animals (gE-) from those infected or injected with non-deleted (gE+) products using diagnostic tests specific for gE. The disadvantage of using modified-live gE-products is that they may remain latent in immunized animals and be reactivated or excreted following an immunosuppressive stimulus. For this reason, in the last few years, a new marker vaccine became commercially available containing a double deletion related to genes coding for gE and the synthesis of the thymidine-kinase (tk) enzyme, the latter being associated with the reduction of the neurotropism, latency, and reactivation of the vaccine virus. Intramuscularly and intranasally administered marker products induce a humoral immune response; however, the mother-to-calf antibody kinetics after vaccination with marker vaccines is poorly understood. This review discusses several published articles on this topic.

Isolation of equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV-3) from equine coital exanthema of two stallions and sero-epidemiology of EHV-3 infection in Japan

In the spring of 2015, two stallions reared in Farms A and B in Hokkaido in Japan showed symptoms of equine coital exanthema. Equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV-3) was isolated from penis swab samples of both stallions, and the isolates from each stallion in Farms A and B were designated as SS-1 and YS-1 strains, respectively. BamHI restriction profiles of SS-1 and Japanese reference strain Iwate-1 were indistinguishable, but the BamHI-A fragment of YS-1 was larger than those of SS-1 and Iwate-1 by 1.9 kbp because of the lack of two BamHI sites. Nucleotide sequence analyses of glycoprotein G (gG), gB, gC and VP13/14 coding regions revealed that SS-1 and YS-1 had 99.77% to 100% identities to each other. These results suggested that the origins of SS-1 and YS-1 were different. For a sero-epidemiological survey, serum neutralizing tests using SS-1 against 319 sera of horses from eight farms in Hokkaido were conducted. Six of the eight farms were EHV-3 antibody-positive, and positive rates ranged from 2.6% to 17.6%. To determine the infection time of four EHV-3 antibody-positive horses, a retrospective study was conducted. Infection time of the four horses was in the breeding season, and re-infection or reactivation of latently infected EHV-3 might have occurred in one horse. However, these four horses had never shown any clinical symptoms. The results suggested that several EHV-3 strains are distributed in Japan and that infection is maintained widely in horses without clinical symptoms.

Occurrence of equine coital exanthema (ECE) in stallions in Japan and effectiveness of treatment with valacyclovir for ECE

Equine coital exanthema (ECE) has been reported in many countries, but equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV-3) has been isolated only once in Japan. In 2015, symptoms of ECE were found, and EHV-3 was isolated in two stallions. Valacyclovir, an anti-herpesvirus agent, was administered orally. The stallions rested from mating for more than two weeks, causing enormous financial losses because of their high fees. This is the first study in which valacyclovir was administered for ECE. Though valacyclovir treatment did not shorten the duration of healing, the affected area did not expand after administration of valacyclovir. Valacyclovir therefore seems to be effective for suppression of EHV-3 infection. Further investigation about the administration protocol might be required.

Molecular and Serological Survey of Selected Viruses in Free-Ranging Wild Ruminants in Iran

A molecular and serological survey of selected viruses in free-ranging wild ruminants was conducted in 13 different districts in Iran. Samples were collected from 64 small wild ruminants belonging to four different species including 25 Mouflon (Ovis orientalis), 22 wild goat (Capra aegagrus), nine Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii) and eight Goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) during the national survey for wildlife diseases in Iran. Serum samples were evaluated using serologic antibody tests for Peste de petits ruminants virus (PPRV), Pestiviruses [Border Disease virus (BVD) and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVDV)], Bluetongue virus (BTV), Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and Parainfluenza type 3 (PI3). Sera were also ELISA tested for Pestivirus antigen. Tissue samples including spleen, liver, lung, tonsils, mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes and white blood cells (WBCs) were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for PPRV, Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV), Pestivirus, BTV, Ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) and BHV-1. Serologic tests were positive for antibodies against PPRV (17%), Pestiviruses (2%) and BTV (2%). No antibodies were detected for BHV-1 or PI3, and no Pestivirus antigen was detected. PCR results were positive for PPRV (7.8%), FMDV (11%), BTV (3%), OvHV-2 (31%) and BHV-1 (1.5%). None of the samples were positive for Pestiviruses.

Effects of injectable trace minerals on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to Bovine viral diarrhea virus, Bovine herpes virus 1 and Bovine respiratory syncytial virus following administration of a modified-live virus vaccine in dairy calves

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of an injectable trace mineral (ITM) supplement containing zinc, manganese, selenium, and copper on the humoral and cell mediated immune (CMI) responses to vaccine antigens in dairy calves receiving a modified-live viral (MLV) vaccine containing BVDV, BHV1, PI3V and BRSV. A total of 30 dairy calves (3.5 months of age) were administered a priming dose of the MLV vaccine containing BHV1, BVDV1 & 2, BRSV, PI3V, and an attenuated-live Mannheimia-Pasteurella bacterin subcutaneously (SQ). Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) administration of ITM SQ (ITM, n=15) or (2) injection of sterile saline SQ (Control; n=15). Three weeks later, calves received a booster of the same vaccine combination SQ, and a second administration of ITM, or sterile saline, according to the treatment group. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 90 post-vaccination for determination of antibody titer, viral recall antigen-induced IFN-γ production, and viral antigen-induced proliferation by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Administration of ITM concurrently with MLV vaccination resulted in higher antibody titers to BVDV1 on day 28 after priming vaccination compared to the control group (P=0.03). Calves treated with ITM showed an earlier enhancement in PBMC proliferation to BVDV1 following vaccination compared to the control group. Proliferation of PBMC after BVDV stimulation tended to be higher on day 14 after priming vaccination in calves treated with ITM than in the control group (P=0.08). Calves that received ITM showed higher PBMC proliferation to BRSV stimulation on day 7 after priming vaccination compared to the control group (P=0.01). Moreover, calves in the ITM group also had an enhanced production IFN-γ by PBMC after stimulation with BRSV on day 21 after priming vaccination compared to day 0 (P<0.01). In conclusion, administration of ITM concurrently with MLV vaccination in dairy calves resulted in increased antibody titer to BVDV1, and greater PBMC proliferation to BVDV1 and BRSV recall stimulation compared to the control group, suggesting that ITM might represent a promising tool to enhance the humoral and CMI responses to MLV vaccines in cattle.

Bovine herpesvirus glycoprotein D: a review of its structural characteristics and applications in vaccinology

The viral envelope glycoprotein D from bovine herpesviruses 1 and 5 (BoHV-1 and -5), two important pathogens of cattle, is a major component of the virion and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of herpesviruses. Glycoprotein D is essential for virus penetration into permissive cells and thus is a major target for virus neutralizing antibodies during infection. In view of its role in the induction of protective immunity, gD has been tested in new vaccine development strategies against both viruses. Subunit, DNA and vectored vaccine candidates have been developed using this glycoprotein as the primary antigen, demonstrating that gD has the capacity to induce robust virus neutralizing antibodies and strong cell-mediated immune responses, as well as protection from clinical symptoms, in target species. This review highlights the structural and functional characteristics of BoHV-1, BoHV-5 and where appropriate, Human herpesvirus gD, as well as its role in viral entry and interactions with host cell receptors. Furthermore, the interactions of gD with the host immune system are discussed. Finally, the application of this glycoprotein in new vaccine design is reviewed, taking its structural and functional characteristics into consideration.

Immunity to bovine herpesvirus 1: II. Adaptive immunity and vaccinology

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) infection is widespread and causes a variety of diseases. Although similar in many respects to the human immune response to human herpesvirus 1, the differences in the bovine virus proteins, immune system components and strategies, physiology, and lifestyle mean the bovine immune response to BHV-1 is unique. The innate immune system initially responds to infection, and primes a balanced adaptive immune response. Cell-mediated immunity, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing of infected cells, is critical to recovery from infection. Humoral immunity, including neutralizing antibody and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, is important to prevention or control of (re-)infection. BHV-1 immune evasion strategies include suppression of major histocompatibility complex presentation of viral antigen, helper T-cell killing, and latency. Immune suppression caused by the virus potentiates secondary infections and contributes to the costly bovine respiratory disease complex. Vaccination against BHV-1 is widely practiced. The many vaccines reported include replicating and non-replicating, conventional and genetically engineered, as well as marker and non-marker preparations. Current development focuses on delivery of major BHV-1 glycoproteins to elicit a balanced, protective immune response, while excluding serologic markers and virulence or other undesirable factors. In North America, vaccines are used to prevent or reduce clinical signs, whereas in some European Union countries marker vaccines have been employed in the eradication of BHV-1 disease.

Cell-mediated immune responses induced by BHV-1: rational vaccine design

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) is one of the major respiratory pathogens in cattle worldwide. Although antibodies have been correlated with protection and recovery from BHV-1 infection, the cell-mediated immune response is also a critical defense mechanism because cell-to-cell spread occurs before hematogenous spread. Furthermore, induction of robust T-cell memory is critical for the long-term duration of immunity. Among current commercial vaccines, the attenuated conventional vaccines induce a balanced immune response and long-term memory but may result in viral shedding. By contrast, inactivated vaccines primarily elicit a humoral immune response and relative short-term memory. These vaccines do not allow differentiation of vaccinated from infected cattle. Recent efforts are focusing on the development of vaccines that induce a balanced immune response and long-term memory, as well as having differentiation markers. This includes well-defined genetically engineered gene-deleted, subunit and vectored vaccines.

Role of bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) in diseases of cattle. Recent findings on BoHV-5 association with genital disease

Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) belongs to the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, genus Varicellovirus. This virus is a major causative agent of non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in young cattle. It was first isolated in 1962 from a neurological disease outbreak in Australia. BoHV-5 is genetically and antigenically related to bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), a highly prevalent virus responsible for respiratory and genital disease in cattle. Initially, BoHV-5 was considered a subtype of BoHV-1 (BoHV-1.3). However, the exclusive presentation of outbreaks of neurological disease suggested that the virus was a new agent with characteristics of neuropathogenicity. Even though both are neurotropic viruses, only BoHV-5 is capable of replicating extensively in the central nervous system and inducing neurological disease. Occasionally, encephalitis caused by BoHV-1 has been reported. Like other alpha-herpesviruses, BoHV-5 can establish latency in nervous ganglia and, by stress factors or glucocorticoid treatment, latent virus can be reactivated. During episodes of reactivation, the virus is excreted in nasal, ocular and genital secretions and transmitted to other susceptible hosts. Recently, BoHV-5 has been associated with infection of the reproductive tract. The virus has been isolated and the presence of viral DNA has been demonstrated in semen samples from Brazil and Australia and natural transmission of the virus through contaminated semen has also been described. Embryos and oocytes are permissive for BoHV-5 infection and BoHV-5 DNA has been detected in the central nervous system of aborted fetuses. The objective of this review is to compile the limited information on the recent association between BoHV-5 and reproductive disorders in cattle.

Calf health from birth to weaning. III. housing and management of calf pneumonia

Calfhood diseases have a major impact on the economic viability of cattle operations. A three part review series has been developed focusing on calf health from birth to weaning. In this paper, the last of the three part series, we review disease prevention and management with particular reference to pneumonia, focusing primarily on the pre-weaned calf. Pneumonia in recently weaned suckler calves is also considered, where the key risk factors are related to the time of weaning. Weaning of the suckler calf is often combined with additional stressors including a change in nutrition, environmental change, transport and painful husbandry procedures (castration, dehorning). The reduction of the cumulative effects of these multiple stressors around the time of weaning together with vaccination programmes (preconditioning) can reduce subsequent morbidity and mortality in the feedlot. In most studies, calves housed individually and calves housed outdoors with shelter, are associated with decreased risk of disease. Even though it poses greater management challenges, successful group housing of calves is possible. Special emphasis should be given to equal age groups and to keeping groups stable once they are formed. The management of pneumonia in calves is reliant on a sound understanding of aetiology, relevant risk factors, and of effective approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Early signs of pneumonia include increased respiratory rate and fever, followed by depression. The single most important factor determining the success of therapy in calves with pneumonia is early onset of treatment, and subsequent adequate duration of treatment. The efficacy and economical viability of vaccination against respiratory disease in calves remains unclear.

Dynamics of individual animal Bovine Herpes Virus-1 antibody status on 9 commercial dairy herds

Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (BoHV-1) is an important viral disease of cattle worldwide. In endemically infected herds, there is an incomplete understanding of the epidemiology of BoHV-1 infection. We describe the dynamics of animal-level BoHV-1 antibody status on 9 endemically infected commercial dairy herds, based on the results of serial milk antibody testing. Results were used to identify primary exposure, secondary exposure (from re-activation or re-exposure) and development of test-negative latent carrier (TNLC) status. 4153 test results from 828 cow-lactations were analysed. Primary exposure occurred on two herds, secondary exposure occurred on all herds and development of TNLC status occurred in eight herds. Incidence of secondary exposure reduced over time and may have been related to increasing time since parturition. Regular secondary exposure is required to maintain measurable antibody status.

Cervid herpesvirus 2 infection in reindeer: a review

Herpesviruses of the genus Varicellovirus are known to infect and cause disease in a variety of ruminant species, but the impact of cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV2) in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is mostly unknown. Reindeer is a circum-polar species with a total estimated number of more than 5 million animals. Mortality may reach high values, as in northern Norway, especially in calves (37%; 2005-2006), and disease can potentially account for some of this mortality. CvHV2 has been isolated during a natural outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis, indicating an etiologal link. Serological screening has shown that CvHV2 infection is prevalent in Northern Norway and experimental infection studies have demonstrated that viremia, latency and vertical transmission occur for CvHV2. The present review aims at summarizing current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and molecular virology of CvHV2.

Cervid herpesvirus 2 experimentally reactivated in reindeer can produce generalized viremia and abortion

Cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV2) has never been isolated from reindeer in Norway, but serological data and investigations by PCR indicate that the virus is endemic in the country, with horizontal and vertical transmission, systemic spread, and latency in the trigeminal ganglion. In this study two seropositive reindeer, one of which was pregnant, were administered dexamethasone, to reactivate CvHV2 latent infection. One control animal received sterile water. All animals including the control reactivated, as shown by amplification of CvHV2 DNA from nasal swabs. The pregnant animal showed lesions in the lip mucosa 10 days after the first dexamethasone injection and CvHV2 was visualized by electron microscopy and isolated from those lesions, as well as from nasal and vaginal swabs. On day 13 she aborted and CvHV2 was isolated from both the aborted calf and the mother. CvHV2 was isolated from the other animal administered dexamethasone. Despite amplification of viral DNA in the control animal, it was never possible to isolate the virus. Molecular characterization of the new isolates confirmed these to be CvHV2, and similar to the previous known strain Salla82. Present results represent the first isolation of CvHV2 in Norway and reconfirm that this virus can cause systemic infections in reindeer even after reactivation episodes, and infect the fetus in utero despite a prompt immune response. While it is not possible to atribute the abortion to CvHV2 alone, present data together with previous reports of vertical transmission of CvHV2 and neonatal death, point to an abortogenic potential, which should be further investigated.

Alphaherpesvirus infections in semidomesticated reindeer: a cross-sectional serological study

Alphaherpesviruses infect a wide range of animal species and cause diseases. Cervid herpesvirus 2 (CvHV-2) was originally isolated from reindeer in Finland but the impact of CvHV-2 infections on reindeer remains unclear. CvHV-2 infection could be partly responsible for calf losses as there are indications that it is associated with abortions and neonatal diseases. Previous serosurveys of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) have shown that an alphaherpesvirus is circulating among reindeer in Norway. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of CvHV-2 infection among reindeer in various herding districts in Finnmark, the largest reindeer area in Norway, and to identify factors associated with becoming infected with CvHV-2. A total of 3062 serum samples were tested using an ELISA and a sub-set of samples was further tested using a seroneutralization test. The ELISA revealed that 49% of samples were positive. Extrapolation of the results to the total population (111,350 animals; 66% of the Finnmark reindeer population) showed that the seroprevalence in the population was 48%. Seroprevalence varied from 7.6% to 90.7% between districts and was affected by age, weight and population density. ELISA-positive samples neutralized CvHV-2 at serum dilutions greater than those required for neutralization of bovine herpesvirus type 1. It is concluded that CvHV-2 is endemic throughout the reindeer herding districts of northern Norway.

Neonatal immune development in the calf and its impact on vaccine response

In this article we cover the immunologic response as it develops, the components of passive immunity, and the immune response of young calves. We discuss interference from maternal immunity in the development of specific immunity and vaccine strategies for developing protection against pathogens in calves.

Modeling Immunocompetence Development and Immunoresponsiveness to Challenge in Chicks

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: 1) to develop a deterministic model that describes the development of immunocompetence and the kinetics of immunoresponsiveness to a pathogenic challenge in chicks and 2) to use this model to illustrate the importance of factors in experimental design, such as type of variable measured, measurement timing, and challenge age. Difficulties in evaluating immunological variables hinder attempts to improve animal health through selection on immunological variables. In young chicks, evaluating immunological variables is additionally complicated by immune system development and maternal immunity. The evaluation of immunocompetence and immunoresponsiveness and the definition of appropriate challenge and measurement strategies may be enabled through a mathematical model that captures the key components of the immune system and its development. Therefore, a model was developed that describes the development of immunocompetence as well as the kinetics of immunoresponsiveness to a pathogenic extracellular bacterial challenge in an individual chick from 0 to 56 d of age. The model consisted of 4 components describing immunocompetence (maternal and baseline immunity) and immunoresponsiveness (acute phase and antibody response). Individual component equations generally fit published data adequately. Four scenarios that represented combinations of challenge age and measurement timing were simulated. In each scenario, the immunoresponsiveness to a particular challenge was compared for 3 different levels of baseline immunity, representing 3 broiler genotypes. It was illustrated that experimental design (type of immunoresponsiveness measured, measurement timing, and challenge age) can have an important effect on the ranking of genotypes, groups, or individuals and on the reliability of extrapolations based on this ranking. It is concluded that this model is a potentially useful tool in the definition of appropriate challenge and measurement strategies when evaluating immunocompetence and immunoresponsiveness. Further, it may be used as a generator of hypotheses on global immunological relationships to be tested experimentally.

Bovine herpesvirus 1 infection and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), classified as an alphaherpesvirus, is a major pathogen of cattle. Primary infection is accompanied by various clinical manifestations such as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, abortion, infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, and systemic infection in neonates. When animals survive, a life-long latent infection is established in nervous sensory ganglia. Several reactivation stimuli can lead to viral re-excretion, which is responsible for the maintenance of BoHV-1 within a cattle herd. This paper focuses on an updated pathogenesis based on a molecular characterization of BoHV-1 and the description of the virus cycle. Special emphasis is accorded to the impact of the latency and reactivation cycle on the epidemiology and the control of BoHV-1. Several European countries have initiated BoHV-1 eradication schemes because of the significant losses incurred by disease and trading restrictions. The vaccines used against BoHV-1 are described in this context where the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals is of critical importance to achieve BoHV-1 eradication.

Intraspecific bovine herpesvirus 1 recombinants carrying glycoprotein E deletion as a vaccine marker are virulent in cattle

Vaccines used in control programmes of Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) utilize highly attenuated BoHV-1 strains marked by a deletion of the glycoprotein E (gE) gene. Since BoHV-1 recombinants are obtained at high frequency in experimentally coinfected cattle, the consequences of recombination on the virulence of gE-negative BoHV-1 were investigated. Thus, gE-negative BoHV-1 recombinants were generated in vitro from several virulent BoHV-1 and one mutant BoHV-1 deleted in the gC and gE genes. Four gE-negative recombinants were tested in the natural host. All the recombinants were more virulent than the gE-negative BoHV-1 vaccine and the gC- and gE-negative parental BoHV-1. The gE-negative recombinant isolated from a BoHV-1 field strain induced the highest severe clinical score. Latency and reactivation studies showed that three of the recombinants were reexcreted. Recombination can therefore restore virulence of gE-negative BoHV-1 by introducing the gE deletion into a different virulence background.

Rationale and perspectives on the success of vaccination against bovine herpesvirus-1

Several characteristics of BHV-1 have contributed to the successful development of both conventional and marker vaccines. BHV-1 is a stable virus, which grows to high titers in vitro, has a limited host range and causes acute viremic infections. Furthermore, the protective antigens, as well as the antigens that are suitable as marker, are present in the predominant virus isolates and induce significant and long-lasting immune responses, both in naïve and in previously vaccinated animals. In many parts of the world including North-America control of BHV-1 is achieved by vaccination with conventional attenuated or inactivated vaccines. With parts of Europe being BHV-1 free, the ability to differentiate infected from vaccinated animals has become critical as a trading tool. Live and killed gE-deleted marker vaccines are now widely used in Europe, in combination with gE-based diagnostic tests to monitor cattle. However, several issues remain to be resolved. BHV-1 causes latency, which creates a need for stringent management practices in case eradication is to be achieved. Since intramuscular delivery with a syringe and needle leads to considerable tissue damage, needle-free delivery methods should be adopted for beef cattle. Furthermore, conventional inactivated and attenuated vaccines are less efficacious in neonates, so alternative vaccine types such as CpG adjuvanted protein vaccines or DNA vaccines are required for effective vaccination of this age group.

Occurrence of equine coital exanthema in pastured draft horses and isolation of equine herpesvirus 3 from progenital lesions

During the period from 2001 to the following year, progenital diseases had been epidemic among the draft stallions and mares pastured together in Iwate Prefecture, the northeastern district of Japan. A stallion and 8 of 31 mares were affected in 2001, and 1 of 2 stallions and 10 of 36 mares in 2002. The clinical symptoms consisted of the formation of papules, pustules, ulcers and scabs on the progenital skin and mucosa in stallions and mares. In 2002, Equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV3) was isolated from 2 mares and the glycoprotein G gene of the virus detected from a stallion and 4 mares by polymerase chain reaction. Serum neutralizing tests showed that 12 of 38 horses, 10 clinically and 2 subclinically affected, changed to be positive for the EHV3 antibody. The results suggest that the horses were affected with equine coital exanthema (ECE) through coitus. Five mares with the antibody at the pre-pastured period may have been the possible origins of EHV3 infection in 2002, although the exact origin in 2001 remains unknown. The artificial insemination was performed for the prevention of ECE spreading through coitus on the pasture in 2003. There was no epidemic of the disease in 31 mares, although 3 mares with the antibody at the pre-pastured period showed the significant increase in the titers during the pastured period.

Effects of hypervaccination with bovine herpesvirus type 1 gE-deleted marker vaccines on the serological response and virological status of calves challenged with wild-type virus

Twenty-four calves were immunised four times with gE-deleted infectious bovine rhinotracheitis marker vaccines before being challenged with small doses of wild-type bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1). The repeated vaccinations induced strong immunity that prevented detectable virus replication and gE-seroconversion after the challenge infection in most of the calves. The hypervaccinated calves that shed virus after the challenge infection showed no delay in gE-seroconversion compared with unvaccinated control calves. Using a sensitive nested PCR, BHV-1 gE sequences could be detected in the trigeminal ganglia of several of the gE-seronegative, challenge-infected calves, possibly indicating the presence of wild-type BHV-1 DNA.

Glycol chitosan improves the efficacy of intranasally administrated replication defective human adenovirus type 5 expressing glycoprotein D of bovine herpesvirus 1

The ability of two soluble formulations, namely chitosan and glycol chitosan, when used as an intranasal adjuvant, to improve the immunogenicity of an intranasal human adenovirus type 5 replication defective expressing bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) glycoprotein D based vaccine, was investigated in cattle. Their adjuvant effects on immune response by increasing clinical and especially virological protection against an intranasal BoHV-1 challenge were then evaluated. The best virological protection was obtained in calves immunized with the vaccine vector adjuvanted with glycol chitosan which decreased the challenge BoHV-1 virus excretion titres by 0.5-1.5 log when compared to those obtained in calves immunized with the vaccine vector alone or adjuvanted with chitosan. A slight difference in clinical scores was observed in calves immunized with the adjuvanted vaccine vector compared to calves immunized with the vaccine vector alone. The obtained data suggest that the tested soluble formulation of glycol chitosan has promising potential use as an intranasal adjuvant for recombinant viral vector vaccines in cattle.

Induction of T Lymphocytes Specific for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Calves with Maternal Antibody

Passive antibody to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) acquired through colostrum intake may interfere with the development of a protective immune response by calves to this virus. The objective of this study was to determine if calves, with a high level of maternal antibody to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), develop CD4(+), CD8(+), or gammadelta T lymphocyte responses to BVDV in the absence of a measurable humoral immune response. Colostrum or milk replacer fed calves were challenged with virulent BVDV at 2-5 weeks of age and/or after maternal antibody had waned. Calves exposed to BVDV while passive antibody levels were high did not mount a measurable humoral immune response to BVDV. However, compared to nonexposed animals, these animals had CD4(+), CD8(+), and gammadelta T lymphocytes that were activated by BVDV after exposure to in vitro BVDV. The production of IFNgamma by lymphocytes after in vitro BVDV exposure was also much greater in lymphocytes from calves exposed to BVDV in the presence of maternal antibody compared to the nonexposed calves. These data indicate that calves exposed to BVDV while maternal antibody levels are high can develop antigen specific CD4(+), CD8(+), and gammadelta T lymphocytes in the absence of an active antibody response. A manuscript presented separately demonstrates that the calves with T lymphocytes specific for BVDV in this study were also protected from virulent BVDV genotype 2 challenge after maternal antibody became undetectable.

Maternal antibody blocks humoral but not T cell responses to BVDV

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) contributes significantly to health-related economic losses in the beef and dairy industry. Antibodies of maternal origin can be protective against BVDV infection, however, calves with low titres of maternal antibody or that do not receive colostrum may be at risk for acute BVDV infection. Interference by high titres of maternal antibodies prevents the development of an antibody response following vaccination with either a killed or attenuated BVDV vaccine. However, the T cell mediated immune response to BVDV may be generated in the absence of a detectable serum neutralizing antibody response. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the potential to elicit T cell mediated immune responses to BVDV in calves with circulating maternal antibody to BVDV. In the first trial, calves with high levels of circulating maternal antibody to BVDV 1 and BVDV 2 were experimentally infected with BVDV 2 (strain 1373) at two to five weeks of age. The T-cell mediated immune responses of the experimentally infected calves and non-infected calves were monitored monthly until circulating maternal antibody was no longer detectable in either treatment group. Calves experimentally infected with BVDV developed BVDV specific CD4(+), CD8(+), and delta T cell responses while high levels of maternal antibody were circulating. A second challenge with BVDV 2 (strain 1373) was performed in the experimentally infected and control calves once maternal antibody could no longer be detected. Previous exposure to BVDV in the presence of maternal antibody protected calves from clinical signs of acute BVDV infection compared to the control calves. In the second trial, three groups of calves with circulating maternal antibody to BVDV were given either a modified live vaccine (MLV) containing BVDV 1 and BVDV 2, a killed vaccine containing BVDV 1 and BVDV 2, or no vaccine, at seven weeks of age. Serum neutralizing antibody levels and antigen specific T cell responses were monitored for 14 weeks following vaccination. Calves vaccinated with MLV BVDV developed BVDV 1 and BVDV 2 specific CD4(+)T cell responses, and BVDV 2 specific gammadelta T cell responses, in the presence of maternal antibody. Vaccination with killed BVDV did not result in the generation of measurable antigen specific T cell immune responses. In this trial, a second vaccination was performed at 14 weeks to determine whether an anamnestic antibody response could be generated when calves were vaccinated in the presence of maternal antibody. Calves vaccinated with either a MLV or killed BVDV vaccine while they had maternal antibody developed an anamnestic antibody response to BVDV 2 upon subsequent vaccination. The results of these trials indicate that vaccinating young calves against BVD while maternal antibody is present may generate BVDV specific memory T and B cells. The data also demonstrated that seronegative calves with memory T and B cells specific for BVDV may be immune to challenge with virulent BVDV.

Rapid onset of protection following vaccination of calves with multivalent vaccines containing modified-live or modified-live and killed BHV-1 is associated with virus-specific interferon gamma production

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of vaccination with commercially-available multivalent vaccines containing either modified-live (MLV) bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) (Bovishield) or MLV plus killed (MLV + K) BHV-1 (Reliant Plus) on protection against challenge at 5 days after a single vaccination. An additional objective was to determine whether cell-mediated immunity as measured by virus-specific interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was associated with any early protection induced by vaccination. Clinical signs, serum neutralizing (SN) titers, and nasal virus isolation (VI) titers were also measured. The 12-16-week-old dairy cross-calves seronegative for antibodies to BHV-1 were vaccinated with a multivalent vaccine containing MLV BHV-1 (n = 19), a multivalent vaccine containing MLV + K BHV-1 (n = 19), or a control multivalent vaccine not containing BHV-1 (n = 10) on day 0 and challenged intranasally on day 5. PBMC were isolated on days 0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 14 and 19. PBMC were incubated in vitro with spent media, live BHV-1, or heat-inactivated BHV-1 for 72 h. Supernatants were assayed for bovine IFN-gamma by ELISA. Bovine herpesvirus-1-specific IFN-gamma production was expressed as percent of the kit positive control, with value for spent media subtracted. Clinical signs were monitored daily. Serum VN titers were measured on days 0-5 and 19. Nasal VI titer was measured every other day from days 5 to 19. Interferon gamma production was higher on day 5, and was significantly increased post-challenge, in both vaccine groups compared to controls. There was no difference between vaccine groups on any day. There was no significant difference in SN titer among groups on any day. Virus isolation titer was significantly higher in controls on days 6 and 8 compared to both vaccine groups. Temperatures were significantly higher and nasal discharge was present more often post-challenge in controls compared to vaccine groups. Vaccination 5 days prior to challenge with commercially-available vaccine containing MLV or MLV + K BHV-1 was associated with increased BHV-1-specific IFN-gamma production, decreased viral shedding, lower temperatures and less nasal discharge post-challenge. Cell mediated immune responses as measured by IFN-gamma production are stimulated rapidly following BHV-1 vaccination of calves.

IFN-gamma diagnostic tests in the context of bovine mycobacterial infections in Belgium

In countries where cattle tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis (Mbov) and paratuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Mptb) are present, testing strategies for the Mbov eradication have to discriminate between these two infections. Present indirect tests are based on the analysis of the specific cellular immune response (DTH, IFN-gamma) against crude mycobacterial antigens (avian and bovine PPD). In this study, we compared the evolution of the IFN-gamma responses of animals experimentally infected with Mbov, Mptb, or inoculated with Mycobacterium phlei. Mbov inoculation induced a strong IFN-gamma response that allows rapid classification of the status of the animals following interpretation criteria set up by us. Experimental inoculation with M. phlei induced sensitisation to mycobacterial antigens as detected by the IFN-gamma test but these reactions were of short duration, therefore, repeated testing allows us to define these animals as aspecific reactors. IFN-gamma response induced after oral inoculation of calves with Mptb was of low intensity and ratio of responses measured against avian versus bovine PPD did not allow a clear diagnostic at least for the six first month of infection.

Induction of protective immunity to bovine herpesvirus type 1 in cattle by intranasal administration of replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 expressing glycoprotein gC or gD

Replication-defective human adenoviruses type 5 (HAd5) expressing the bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) glycoprotein gC or gD under the control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter/enhancer (AdCMVgC or AdCMVgD) or the 5' regulatory region of the human desmin gene (AdDESMgC or AdDESMgD) were generated. A preliminary experiment performed on rabbits showed that the intranasal administration of AdCMV elicited higher levels of BHV-1 neutralizing antibodies than the intramuscular administration of AdDESM. The obtained results allowed to select the replication-defective AdCMVgC and AdCMVgD for further assessment of their potential as a recombinant vaccine in cattle. Calves were injected intranasally twice 3 weeks apart with either AdCMVgC or AdCMVgD or a combination of these two recombinants or a commercially available live vaccine for comparison. The highest BHV-1 neutralizing antibody titres were obtained with AdCMVgD followed by the live vaccine and to a lower extent with the combination of the two recombinants (AdCMVgC+AdCMVgD). Calves were protected against intranasal BHV-1 challenge performed 3 weeks after the second immunization. In view of the obtained results, recombinant HAd5 may be developed as an intranasal vaccine vector in cattle administrated either alone or sequentially with non-human adenovirus-based vectors.

T-cell populations responsive to bovine respiratory syncytial virus in seronegative calves

Calves lacking detectable serum antibodies against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) were screened for virus-specific T-cell memory. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in vitro with live BRSV and analyzed by dual-color flow cytometry for surface expression of CD25 on CD4(+), CD8(+), and gammadeltaT-cells. Significant recall responses were detected in some of the seronegative calves. Modified live BRSV vaccine was administered to these and to a group of non-responding calves. Following vaccination, virus-specific IgG, virus neutralizing antibody, and T-cell recall responses were all elevated more rapidly in the group with BRSV-sensitive T-cells than in the T-cell-negative group, which suggested that calves in the first group were previously exposed to BRSV. This demonstrates that exposure to BRSV can induce T and B cell memory in young calves without causing seroconversion. The calves were presumably exposed to BRSV while they had maternal antibody, which inhibited the calves from developing an antibody response.

Latency and reactivation of a glycoprotein E negative bovine herpesvirus type 1 vaccine: influence of virus load and effect of specific maternal antibodies

The effects of the vaccination of neonatal calves with a glycoprotein E (gE)-negative bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) were investigated in naïve and passively immunised calves either with the recommended dose or a 5-fold concentrated one. After inoculation (PI), all calves excreted the virus vaccine except three passively immunised calves inoculated with the lower titre. No antibody response could be detected in passively immunised calves, whatever the dose used, and they all became BHV-1 seronegative and remained so after dexamethasone treatment (PDT). Nevertheless, as shown by a gamma-interferon assay, all calves that excreted the vaccine PI developed a cell-mediated immune response and a booster response was observed PDT, suggesting viral reactivation. The vaccine virus was recovered PDT from nasal secretions in two calves and BHV-1 DNA were detected in trigeminal ganglia from five calves belonging to all inoculated groups. The results show that the BHV-1 gE-negative vaccine can establish latency not only in naïve but also in passively immunised neonatal calves after a single intranasal inoculation. Moreover, this study shows for the first time that the gE-negative vaccine, when used in passively immunised calves, can lead to seronegative vaccine virus carriers.

BOVIGAM: an in vitro cellular diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis

BOVIGAM which is based on the detection of gamma interferon (IFN- gamma) is a rapid, laboratory assay of a cell mediated immune response that may be used for the detection of tuberculosis (TB) infection in animals. Whole blood is first incubated overnight with bovine PPD, avian PPD or negative control antigens, and IFN- gamma in the supernatant plasma is then measured by EIA. TB infection is indicated by a predominant IFN- gamma response to bovine PPD. Since 1988, BOVIGAM has been extensively trialed on more than 200 000 cattle in Australia, Brazil, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Romania, Spain and the USA. Sensitivity has varied between 81.8% and 100% for culture-confirmed bovine TB and specificity between 94% and 100%. The IFN- gamma assay detects M. bovis infection earlier than the skin test and in New Zealand is applied to detect skin-test negative cattle with TB, where after slaughter a significant number of IFN- gamma reactors have TB. BOVIGAM is also approved in New Zealand for serial testing skin test positive cattle when non-specificity is suspected. Cattle are tested 7-30 days after a positive caudal fold test. The boosting effect of the skin test on T-cell activity allows blood to be cultured with PPD up to 30 h after collection without effecting accuracy. The BOVIGAM results are not affected by poor nutritional condition and are only mildly and briefly affected by dexamethasone treatment and parturition. IFN- gamma responses of cattle vaccinated with BCG are dose-dependent and short-lived. The BOVIGAM kit is now used routinely in many countries for the detection of M. bovis infected cattle, buffalo and goats.

The role of colostral antibodies in prevention of microbial infections

Mammalian colostrum offers passive protection to the newborn against a variety of microbial pathogens, in the form of specific immunoglobulin A, G and M antibodies. Sharing maternal immunological memory is in many cases vital for the infant, but may have disastrous consequences, such as involuntary transfer of disease and disturbance of the developing immune system. In most published studies, immune milk preparations are reported to be effective in the prevention of various gastroenteric infections, but not in the treatment of an established infection.

Production of bovine herpesvirus type 1-seronegative latent carriers by administration of a live-attenuated vaccine in passively immunized calves

The consequences of the vaccination of neonatal calves with the widely used live-attenuated temperature-sensitive (ts) bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) were investigated. The ts strain established acute and latent infections in all vaccinated calves either with or without passive immunity. Four of seven calves vaccinated under passive immunity became clearly BHV-1 seronegative by different serological tests, as did uninfected control calves after the disappearance of maternal antibodies, and they remained so for long periods. A cell-mediated immune response was detected by a BHV-1 gamma interferon assay, but this test failed to detect the seronegative latent carriers (SNLCs). While they are not detected, SNLCs represent a threat for BHV-1-free herds or countries. This study demonstrates that SNLCs can be easily obtained by inoculation with a live-attenuated BHV-1 under passive immunity and that latent carrier animals without any antibody do exist. Consequently, this situation could represent a good model to experimentally produce SNLCs.