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Louisiana State University Scientists Discover New Virus That Results in BRD Veterinary microbiologists at Louisiana State University have detected a virus that causes respiratory tract infections in cattle. They found the previously unknown respiratory bovine coronavirus was associated with several outbreaks of "shipping fever" pneumonia, the most fatal form of BRD. "Shipping fever" typically results from transport stress, which makes the respiratory tract susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. The coronavirus infects cells that line the respiratory tracts, including the lungs. The virus kills the cells and causes inflammation in the mucous membrane passages, ultimately interfering with the cells' normal function. Ninety percent of afflicted cattle in two major outbreaks of shipping disease were infected with the coronavirus. The virus has been detected in cattle in eleven states in the south and western U.S. Infectious diseases have a huge economic impact on the beef and dairy cattle business. According to the USDA, the industry suffered a $450 million loss in 1996 due to respiratory diseases alone. In response to its findings, LSU developed specific diagnostic tests and defined the components necessary to create a vaccine. They found that cattle with specific antibody levels never developed clinical signs of the disease during the outbreaks. Scientists from several veterinary facilities collaborated on the research, including LSU, Texas A&M and the USDA researchers. |
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