Detection and genome characterization of bovine kobuvirus (BKV) in faecal samples from diarrhoeic calves in Quebec, Canada

Kobuviruses are known to infect the gastrointestinal tract of different animal species. Since its discovery in 2003, bovine kobuvirus (BKV) has been identified in faecal samples from diarrhoeic cattle in many countries, but only recently in North America. Although its possible role as an agent of calf diarrhoea remains to be determined, evidence is mounting. Our study reports for the first time the detection of BKV in faecal samples from diarrhoeic calves raised in Quebec, Canada. BKV was more commonly identified than eight known and common enteric calf pathogens. Further sequence analysis revealed that Canada BKV strain 1,043,507 was more closely correlated with the US BKV IL35164 strain than other BKV strains with complete genome. Continued surveillance and genomic characterization are needed to monitor BKV in the cattle around the world.

Automated summary

Kobuviruses infect the gastrointestinal tract of different animals and have been found in faecal samples from diarrhoeic cattle in many countries, including Canada. A study in Quebec detected BKV in diarrhoeic calves, which was more common than other known enteric calf pathogens. Further genomic characterization and surveillance are needed to monitor BKV in cattle worldwide.