Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Abortion in Goats Housed with Persistently Infected Cattle

Twenty-four border disease virus-seronegative, pregnant, mixed breed goats were experimentally comingled with 3 heifers persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2a (BVDV-2a). Twelve of the 24 exposed does aborted. Twenty-nine Fetuses and 16 placentas from affected does were submitted to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for a necropsy examination. Infection with BVDV was confirmed with a combination Of immunohistochemistry, BVDV-2 polymerase chain reaction, and virus isolation in 19 of the 29 fetuses. On gross examination of the 19 fetuses and placentas in which BVDV-2a infection was confirmed, a mild placentitis (3/19). fetal mummification (1/19) and facial deformities (4/19) were noted. Histologically, placentitis (2/19), myocarditis (4/19). thymic depiction (5/19), choroid plexitis (3/19), encephalitis (2/19), and cerebral gliosis 1/19) were noted. Other Causes of abortion in goats. including common bacteria] and viral infections, were ruled out with histology. virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction. and aerobic bacteriologic Cultures. As supported by the Findings in this case, BVDV-2a Should be included as a differential for abortion in goats. This is the first report of abortion in goats after exposure to persistently infected cattle.