Viral Diseases of Domestic Animals

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2025 | Viewed by 2424

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Center for Food Animal Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
Interests: molecular virology; virus host interactions; zoonotic diseases; hepatitis; hepatitis E virus; African swine fever virus; coronavirus
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the biology, epidemiology, and control of viral diseases affecting domestic animals. Domestic animals, including livestock, poultry, and pets, play vital roles in agriculture, companionship, and economies globally. However, they are susceptible to a wide range of viral pathogens that can cause significant economic losses, disrupt food supplies, and pose zoonotic risks. This Special Issue invites the submission of original research and review articles addressing viral pathogenesis, transmission dynamics, immune responses, and advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics. Contributions exploring emerging viral threats, vaccine development, and the role of viral evolution in disease outbreaks are particularly encouraged. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the interplay between host genetics, environmental factors, and viral virulence. By advancing our knowledge of these topics, this Special Issue aims to promote effective disease management strategies and wisdom to safeguard the health of domestic animal populations worldwide.

Dr. Scott P. Kenney
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • viral diseases
  • emerging infections
  • domestic animals
  • epidemiology
  • pathogenesis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2163 KiB  
Article
Development of a Triplex Real-Time PCR Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Porcine Circovirus 2, 3, and 4 in China Between 2023 and 2024
by Yanhong Chen, Yi Lu, Dongfan Li, Ling Dong, Yang Zeng, Zhijing Mei, Ahmed H. Ghonaim, USAMA, Zhixian Yu, Shuo Zhang, Ping Bai, Wentao Li, Xuexiang Yu and Qigai He
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060777 - 29 May 2025
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Abstract
Background: Porcine circovirus disease (PCVD), caused by porcine circovirus (PCV), is a significant swine disease characterized by porcine dermatitis, nephrotic syndrome, and reproductive disorders in sows. Given the overlapping clinical presentations of PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4, a rapid and accurate method for their [...] Read more.
Background: Porcine circovirus disease (PCVD), caused by porcine circovirus (PCV), is a significant swine disease characterized by porcine dermatitis, nephrotic syndrome, and reproductive disorders in sows. Given the overlapping clinical presentations of PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4, a rapid and accurate method for their differential detection is essential. Methods: In this study, specific primers and probes were designed based on the conserved regions of the ORF1 genes of PCV2 and PCV4, as well as the ORF2 gene of PCV3. Results: A TaqMan triple real-time PCR method was developed, demonstrating excellent specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability, with limits of detection (LODs) of 53.3 copies/µL, 12.0 copies/µL, and 13.8 copies/µL for PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4, respectively. Using this method, 500 clinical porcine tissue samples collected from 23 provinces across China between 2023 and 2024 were analyzed. The results showed detection rates of 75.20% (376/500) for PCV2, 17.60% (88/500) for PCV3, and 4.40% (22/500) for PCV4. The detection rate of triple coinfections involving PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 was 0.80% (4/500). PCV2 consistently presented significantly higher positive detection rates across all growth stages, and its viral copy number was significantly greater than those of PCV3 and PCV4 (* p < 0.05). Forty PCV2 ORF2 genes, fourteen PCV3 ORF2 genes, and three PCV4 ORF2 genes were identified. These included four PCV2a genotypes, thirty-five PCV2d genotypes, and one PCV2e genotypes; two PCV3a genotypes and six each of PCV3b and PCV3c genotypes; and two PCV4a genotypes and one of PCV4b genotype. Conclusions: The triple qPCR method established in this study provides a rapid, specific, and accurate approach for the detection and differentiation of PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4 genotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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19 pages, 3368 KiB  
Article
Colorimetric Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification with Xylenol Orange Targeting Nucleocapsid Gene for Detection of Feline Coronavirus Infection
by Kotchaporn Khumtong, Witsanu Rapichai, Wichayet Saejung, Piyamat Khamsingnok, Nianrawan Meecharoen, Siriluk Ratanabunyong, Hieu Van Dong, Supansa Tuanthap, Amonpun Rattanasrisomporn, Kiattawee Choowongkomon, Oumaporn Rungsuriyawiboon and Jatuporn Rattanasrisomporn
Viruses 2025, 17(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17030418 - 14 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a devastating disease with near-complete mortality, is caused by the feline coronavirus (FCoV) and affects domestic cats worldwide. Herein, we report the development of a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay incorporating xylenol orange (XO) as a visual [...] Read more.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a devastating disease with near-complete mortality, is caused by the feline coronavirus (FCoV) and affects domestic cats worldwide. Herein, we report the development of a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay incorporating xylenol orange (XO) as a visual indicator for FCoV detection. The assay employed six oligonucleotide primers targeting regions of the nucleocapsid (N) gene. Under optimized conditions (65 °C, 60 min), amplification products were detected through pH-dependent colour changes in the XO dye. The RT-LAMP-XO assay exhibited high specificity for FCoV, with no cross-reactivity against other common feline viral pathogens. While the detection limit (1.7 × 101 copies/µL) was an order of magnitude higher than that of qPCR, the method offered advantages in simplicity and speed compared to existing diagnostic approaches. Although less sensitive than qPCR, the RT-LAMP-XO assay may serve as a rapid screening tool when used in combination with additional primer sets. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of XO-based RT-LAMP as a simple, visual detection method for FCoV infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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12 pages, 1868 KiB  
Article
Feline Coronavirus in Northern Vietnam: Genetic Detection and Characterization Reveal Predominance of Type I Viruses
by Hieu Van Dong, Witsanu Rapichai, Amonpun Rattanasrisomporn and Jatuporn Rattanasrisomporn
Viruses 2025, 17(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17020188 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 833
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify the molecular and biological characteristics of the collected feline coronavirus (FCoV) strains in northern Vietnam. A total of 166 fecal samples were collected from domestic cats in Hanoi, Bacgiang, Hungyen, and Hanam in northern Vietnam. Conventional polymerase [...] Read more.
This study was conducted to identify the molecular and biological characteristics of the collected feline coronavirus (FCoV) strains in northern Vietnam. A total of 166 fecal samples were collected from domestic cats in Hanoi, Bacgiang, Hungyen, and Hanam in northern Vietnam. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the FCoV genome in the field samples. Results indicated that 19 (11.45%) out of 166 fecal samples were positive for the FCoV genome using PCR. Insignificant differences in positive rates were detected according to breed, age, sex, and health status of the cats. By using nested PCR, all 19 FCoV strains obtained belonged to type I. Analysis of the partial S gene sequences indicated that the nine Vietnamese FCoV strains in this study shared high nucleotide identity, ranging from 88.5% to 99.16%. Phylogenetic analysis supported that the Vietnamese FCoV strains obtained were type I viruses, which are divided into several clades. The nine Vietnamese FCoV strains were genetically close to viruses from the Netherlands, France, and China and differed from the vaccine strain. No mutation was detected among the nine Vietnamese FCoV strains at sites 23,531 and 23,537 in the S gene sequences. The S1/S2 cleavage site on the S protein of FCoV of the nine viral strains indicated an R/G-R-S/A-R-R-S motif, which was typical for feline enteric coronavirus strains. The sequences found were consistent with FECV/low-path viruses, and that it was healthy cats (not FIP cats) that were sampled. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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