Regional genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Ethiopia urban and peri-urban dairy farms

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a highly impactful disease in the cattle industry worldwide. The disease is caused by the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), a member of the genus Pestivirus within the Flaviviridae family. Higher seroprevalence of the disease has been recorded in Ethiopia; however, the virus's genetic diversity has not yet been studied in this country. This study aimed to detect BVDV infection in dairy animals and identify viral species based on the analysis of the viral 5'untranslated region (5' UTR). Between 2022 and 2023, 576 swab samples were collected from animals showing clinical signs. BVDV viruses were isolated and detected using the Immunofluorescent antibody technique. A one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique (targeting a conserved 5'UTR region of BVDV 1 and BVDV 2) was used to identify BVDV sub-genotypes. Eighteen viral isolates were obtained from samples collected from dairy farms and one breeding center. Isolates were identified as ncp biotypes, and nucleotide sequence analysis revealed BVDV 2a and 1b, predominantly circulating in livestock populations. As far as we are aware, this represents the first identification and characterization of the BVDV sub-genotypes within Ethiopia's cattle population. Consequently, our findings provide a valuable foundation for developing and implementing effective BVD prevention and control strategies in Ethiopia.