Abstract
Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is the causative agent of winter dysentery (WD). In adult dairy cattle, WD is characterized by hemorrhagic diarrhea and a reduction in milk production. Therefore, WD leads to significant economic losses in dairy farms. In this study, we aimed to isolate and characterize local BCoV strains. BCoV positive samples, collected during 2017–2021, were used to amplify and sequence the S1 domain of S glycoprotein and the full hemagglutinin esterase gene. Based on our molecular analysis, local strains belong to different genetic variants circulating in dairy farms in Israel. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all local strains clustered together and in proximity to other BCoV circulating in the area. Additionally, we found that local strains are genetically distant from the reference enteric strain Mebus. To our knowledge, this is the first report providing molecular data on BCoV circulating in Israel.
Highlights
Dysentery Bovine CoronavirusWinter dysentery (WD) is a sporadic, acute, contagious hemorrhagic enterocolitis of adult cattle
During 2017–2021, a total of 853 fecal samples and rectum swabs were collected from large dairy farms scattered in Israel
Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is the causative agent of winter dysentery (WD) in adult cattle
Summary
Winter dysentery (WD) is a sporadic, acute, contagious hemorrhagic enterocolitis of adult cattle. WD is characterized by epizootic outbreaks of self-limiting hemorrhagic diarrhea, high fever, depression, dehydration, anorexia, colic and decrease in milk production [1,2,3,4,5]. WD outbreaks are predominantly seen in postpartum adult dairy cows, with high morbidity rates. Diseased cows usually experience a marked drop in milk production, which leads to significant economic losses [6,7]. The causative agent of WD is bovine coronavirus (BCoV), first discovered in 1972 [8]. BCoV belongs to the order Nidovirales, family Coronaviruses and subfamily Coronavirinae within the genus Betacoronavirus. BCoV is an enveloped virus with a single-stranded nonsegmented positive-sense RNA genome with five structural proteins: (S) spike glycoprotein,
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
