ISOLATION OF AN EXOTIC SEROTYPE OF BLUETONGUE VIRUS FROM IMPORTED CATTLE IN QUARANTINE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 46  (2) , 160-164
Abstract
In 1980, 60 zebu cattle from Brazil were admitted into quarantine in Florida (USA) for 150 days. During the 30 days between their last test in Brazil and their 1st test in Florida, 4 animals developed antibody to bluetongue virus detectable by agar gel immunodiffusion test. Within 62 days after arrival in Florida, 3 more seroconverted and 1 more was positive by the 86th day. Virus neutralizing titers of serums from the first 4 cattle were highest against bluetongue virus serotype 4 and 20; both of these serotypes are exotic to the US. A bluetongue virus serotype 4 was isolated from 1 of these animals. The 8 positive reactors were slaughtered; the other 52 cattle, which did not develop detectable antibody titers to bluetongue virus, were released into the US.