Susceptibility of livestock, wildlife, and domestic host species cells to the 2022-2025 reassortant Oropouche virus

Authors: Reister-Hendricks, Lindsey; Jasperson, Dane; GUTIERREZ, JESSICA - Wisconsin Department Of Agriculture; McGregor, Bethany; Scroggs, Stacey

Submitted to: Pathogens
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2026
Publication Date: 3/30/2026
Citation: Reister-Hendricks, L.M., Jasperson, D.C., Gutierrez, J., Mcgregor, B.L., Scroggs, S.L. 2026. Susceptibility of livestock, wildlife, and domestic host species cells to the 2022-2025 reassortant Oropouche virus. Pathogens. 15(4), 367. doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15040367.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15040367

Interpretive Summary: This study demonstrates that Oropouche virus (OROV), an emerging zoonotic arbovirus, can replicate in a broad range of mammalian cell lines, suggesting that multiple livestock, wildlife, and domestic animal species may be susceptible hosts. Robust replication in bison, pig, and dog cells, along with moderate replication in deer, elk, sheep, and cattle cells, highlights the potential for both agricultural and wildlife species to contribute to viral maintenance or amplification if OROV were introduced into the United States. The absence of replication in horse cells suggests possible host-specific restrictions. Although in vitro findings do not confirm in vivo infection or disease, these results raise concern for the establishment of OROV in North America and underscore the need for pathogenesis studies and field surveillance. Identifying reservoir and amplification hosts will be critical to protect livestock biosecurity and public health.

Technical Abstract: Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging zoonotic arthropod-borne virus of public health importance. The host range of OROV is largely unknown, but antibody evidence suggests that wildlife and livestock species could be susceptible hosts. To identify potential North American mammalian reservoir hosts, OROV replication curves were generated using eight cell lines derived from livestock, wildlife, and domestic animal species (cow, sheep, bison, white-tailed deer, elk, pig, horse, and dog). The virus replicated in all cell lines by 48 hours post infection, except for the horse cells. OROV replication success was greatest in the bison cells followed by pig and dog cells. Moderate replication was achieved in the deer, elk, sheep, and cow cells. These results indicate that numerous animal species may be susceptible hosts for OROV, including important agricultural and wildlife species, but pathogenesis studies are required to confirm. Identifying the reservoir hosts for OROV will allow livestock producers, veterinarians, and public health officials to prepare appropriate vector and disease control measure should the virus initiate an outbreak in the United States.