Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Calves with Congenital Malformation in Türkiye

This study aims to identify the causative agent in cases of abortion on a cattle farm in Erzurum province, Türkiye. Samples from the farm were sent to the Erzurum Veterinary Control Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The analysis revealed the presence of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) in a newborn calf exhibiting congenital malformations. Subsequently, blood and serum samples were collected for four weeks post-abortion to assess the acute/persistent infection status on the farm. Using the ELISA method, antigen, and antibody positivity were detected in both the cattle and the aborted calf. Six blind passages were conducted in the MDBK cell line to isolate the virus from cerebrospinal fluid. Confirmation of isolation was carried out through regular CT increase in Real-Time RT-PCR due to the non-cytopathogenic nature of the detected virus. The isolate (EVE-BVDV-2023) was identified as belonging to the BVDV-1d genotype through partial genome analysis of the 5’UTR gene. This study conclusively confirms the presence of BVDV infection in cattle herds in the eastern region of Türkiye, particularly in Erzurum province. Future studies should continue efforts to control and eradicate infectious agents in cattle herds, with a particular emphasis on addressing BVDV infection.