Orbiviruses – A North American Perspective

Authors: McVey, David; Drolet, Barbara; Ruder, Mark; Wilson, William; Nayduch, Dana; Pfannenstiel, Robert; Cohnstaedt, Lee; MACLACHLAN, N - University Of California

Submitted to: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2015
Publication Date: 6/1/2015
Citation: Mcvey, D.S., Drolet, B.S., Ruder, M.G., Wilson, W.C., Nayduch, D., Pfannenstiel, R.S., Cohnstaedt, L.W., Maclachlan, N.J. 2015. Orbiviruses – A North American Perspective. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 15(6):335-338.

Interpretive Summary: Orbiviruses are members of the Reoviridae family and include bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). These viruses are the cause of significant regional disease outbreaks among livestock and wildlife in the United States. Some of these outbreaks have been characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Competent vectors are clearly present in most regions of the globe; therefore, all segments of production livestock are at risk for serious disease outbreaks. Subclinical infections also serve as reservoirs of infection and often result in significant trade restrictions. The economic and explicit impacts of BTV and EHDV infections are difficult to measure, but infections are a cause of economic loss for producers and loss of natural resources (wildlife). The USDA and collaborative organizations organized a gap analysis workshop composed of international experts on Orbiviruses. In the long term, the workshop participants determined that implementing the critical research studies is fundamental to addressing the extensive gaps in our scientific knowledge base. Importantly, this research is paramount to advancing the development of effective countermeasures.

Technical Abstract: Orbiviruses are members of the Reoviridae family and include bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). These viruses are the cause of significant regional disease outbreaks among livestock and wildlife in the United States. Some of these outbreaks have been characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Competent vectors are clearly present in most regions of the globe; therefore, all segments of production livestock are at risk for serious disease outbreaks. Subclinical infections also serve as reservoirs of infection and often result in significant trade restrictions. The economic and explicit impacts of BTV and EHDV infections are difficult to measure, but infections are a cause of economic loss for producers and loss of natural resources (wildlife). The In response to USAHA Resolution 16, USDA, in collaboration with DOI, organized a gap analysis workshop composed of international experts on Orbiviruses. The workshop participants met at the Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit in Manhattan, Kansas, May 14–16, 2013, to assess the available scientific information and status of currently available countermeasures to effectively control and mitigate the impact of an outbreak of an emerging Orbivirus with epizootic potential, with special emphasis given to BTV and EHDV. In assessing the threats, workshop participants determined that available countermeasures are somewhat effective, but several weaknesses were identified that affect their ability to effectively prevent and control disease outbreaks. Assessments of the gaps that impact our ability to predict, prevent, or respond to disease outbreaks are summarized briefly in the papers following this introduction to this special edition of the Journal of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. In the long term, the workshop participants determined that implementing the critical research studies is fundamental to addressing the extensive gaps in our scientific knowledge base. Importantly, this research is paramount to advancing the development of effective countermeasures.