Characterization of two novel reassortant bluetongue virus serotype 1 strains isolated from farmed white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Florida, USA

This study reports the clinical findings, ancillary diagnostics, and genomic characterization of two BTV serotype 1 strains isolated from two farmed WTD, from two different farms in Florida in 2019 and 2022. Phylogenetic and genetic analyses indicated that these two novel BTV-1 strains were reassortants. In addition, our analyses reveal that most genome segments of these strains were acquired from BTVs previously detected in ruminants in Florida, substantiating their endemism in the Southeastern U.S. Our findings underscore the need for additional research to determine the genetic diversity of BTV strains in Florida, their prevalence, and the potential risk of new BTV strains to WTD and other ruminants.

Source: Virus Genes - July 13, 2023 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research