Detection of BHV-1 and BRSV viruses in European bison in the Białowieża forest: a preliminary study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) in herds of European (Polish) bison in the Białowieża National Park. The materials consisted of nasal swabs and sera (n = 35) obtained from male and female Polish bison ranging in age from 1 to 3 years. Anti-BRSV and BHV-1 antibodies were detected using commercially available indirect Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The occurrence of BHV-1 and BRSV was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT-PCR) methods, respectively. In the examined nasal samples and sera only 3 of 35 were BRSV positive using the ELISA kit and in RT-PCR. In the case of BHV-1, 6 of the 35 samples were positive in ELISA and PCR methods. Of the six individuals that tested positive for BHV-1, three were also seropositive for BRSV. Individuals reacting positively in the ELISA assay were confirmed using PCR for BHV-1 and in RT-PCR for BRSV. In summary, these studies confirm the presence of BRSV and BHV-1 viruses in European Bison in Poland, and should be continued in more herds of bison in Poland.ARTICLE HISTORY