Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assay for Detection of Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) Infection in Iranian Bull's Semen Samples

2 Abstract: Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a single-stranded RNA virus, belongs to the genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae. This virus is an economically important infectious disease of cattle and significant agent to reduced milk production, decreased reproductive performance, growth retardation and increased occurrence of other diseases in cows. The purpose of present study was to detect BVDV RNA in Iranian bull's semen specimens that used for artificial insemination using RT-PCR assay. 172 bull's semen specimens were obtained from Iranian animal husbandries and artificial insemination centers and viral RNA was extracted from semen samples. Total RNA was reverse transcribed to cDNA using kit. The oligonucleotide primers were selected to amplified 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the BVDV genome and 290 base pair target sequence from BVDV cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR method. Then, amplified products were visualized in a 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. BVDV RNA was detected in 32 of the 172 (18.60%) of bull's semen specimens that used for artificial insemination in Iran. The results showed high presence of BVDV infection in Iranian bull's semen samples and RT-PCR analysis is a rapid and cost-effective method for the screening of viral infection in cattle. The present study indicated that semen samples are important transmission sources of BVD virus infection in Iranian cattle. These findings indicated that control and eradication programs such as vaccinations programs for prevent and reduce of economic loses of BVDV infection in Iranian cattle it seems to be necessary and fast detection and sensitivity of RT-PCR technique might be of relevance for studies on epidemiological and pathogenesis of infection with BVD virus.