Camelidae and Cervidae Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus in the family Flaviviridae that primarily affects cattle but has been documented to infect over 50 species in the mammalian order Artiodactyla, including members of the Camelidae (llamas, alpacas) and Cervidae (white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk) families. Understanding BVDV infection in these alternative hosts is increasingly important for veterinary board examinations as these species serve as potential reservoirs and may impact cattle disease control programs.

BVDV infection in camelids and cervids presents unique diagnostic and management challenges compared to cattle. The virus can establish persistent infection (PI) in both camelids and cervids, similar to cattle, making these species epidemiologically significant. Persistently infected animals shed large quantities of virus throughout their lives, serving as primary reservoirs for herd and interspecies transmission.

Etiology

Virus Classification

BVDV belongs to the genus Pestivirus within the family Flaviviridae. Related pestiviruses include Border disease virus (sheep) and Classical swine fever virus (pigs). The BVDV genome consists of a single, linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA molecule of approximately 12.3 kb.