Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A total of 316 samples were collected from 210 Spanish cattle farms experiencing respiratory disease outbreaks between July 2023 and September 2024. These samples were analyzed for influenza D virus (IDV) and co-circulating respiratory pathogens using RT-qPCR techniques. Thirty-eight IDV-positive samples (12%) were successfully identified, originating from 30 farms (11.1%) across 15 provinces throughout Spain, indicating a widespread distribution of the infection. IDV detection was significantly more frequent in bronchoalveolar lavage samples (22.1%) and nasal swabs (13.5%) compared to lung tissues (5%) and other sample mixtures (5%). All IDV-positive specimens exhibited co-infections, with most (94.7%) harboring a total of 3 to 7 viral and/or bacterial pathogens, highlighting the complex nature of BRD outbreaks. Cramér's V analysis revealed the strongest co-occurrence with Mycoplasma bovis (V=0.255), followed by a moderate association with Pasteurella multocida (V=0.223) and bovine coronavirus (V=0.202). Conversely, IDV co-occurrence with Histophilus somni (V=0.025) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (V=0.000), was found to be negligible. A subset of 13 IDV-positive samples with a Ct value below 32 were further investigated to obtain partial sequences of the hemagglutinin-esterase (HEF) gene. Analysis confirmed the presence of the two major genetic lineages detected among cattle in Europe, D/OK and D/660, with the D/660 exhibiting higher genetic diversity, as determined by DNAsp software. This study constitutes the first report of IDV infection in Spanish cattle, and it confirms the circulation of both the D/OK and D/660 lineages within this population.
Source: Veterinary Sciences
Institution: Universidad de Zaragoza
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W7126043759