# Characterization of Pestivirus tauri (BVDV-2, Subtype c) Isolates in Northern Italy Using Whole-Genome Sequencing

## TL;DR

Researchers in Italy used whole-genome sequencing to study Pestivirus tauri, finding it closely related to strains from the USA and Germany.

## Contribution

The study provides new genomic data on Pestivirus tauri isolates in Italy, enhancing understanding of their evolutionary relationships.

## Key findings

- Italian Pestivirus tauri isolates belong to subgenotype c, shared with strains from Asia, Europe, and the US.
- The isolates showed highest similarity to the Parker (USA) and Potsdam 1600 (Germany) strains.
- The findings offer insights into Pestivirus tauri's genomic architecture and evolutionary dynamics.

## Abstract

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a major cause of economic losses in the global cattle industry, particularly in countries characterized by intensive livestock production systems. Pestivirus tauri, formerly known as Bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV-2), is the current taxonomic designation according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Between 2005 and 2018, Pestivirus tauri was detected in cattle herds in mainland Italy, particularly in the Lombardy region. Four viral strains were successfully isolated in cell cultures and subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Phylogenetic reconstruction placed all Italian isolates within the Pestivirus tauri subgenotype c, a lineage encompassing strains reported in Asia, Europe and the United States. Consistently, comparative sequence identity analyses indicated the highest similarity with the Parker strain (USA, 1991) and the Potsdam 1600 strain (Germany, 2000). These results contribute to a more detailed understanding of Pestivirus tauri genomic architecture and evolutionary dynamics, providing a valuable resource for comparative genomic studies. Such data are crucial for exploring viral diversity and evolution, optimizing the design of diagnostic primers and probes, and advancing insights into the molecular epidemiology of Pestivirus.