EHDV-1, A NEW AUSTRALIAN SEROTYPE OF EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC-DISEASE VIRUS ISOLATED FROM SENTINEL CATTLE IN THE NORTHERN-TERRITORY

In 1992, a virus (DPP2209) isolated from sentinel cattle located at Co astal Plains Research Station, latitude 12 degrees 39'S, longitude 131 degrees 20'E, approximately 60 km;In east of Darwin, Northern Territo ry. This virus was identified as a serotype of epizootic haemorrhagic disease (EHD) of deer virus previously undescribed in Australia. An ad ditional 17 isolations of this virus were made from eight animals duri ng the period February to May. Electron microscopic studies showed the presence of orbivirus-like structures. Serogrouping ELISA, indirect i mmunofluorescence assay and the serogrouping plaque reduction neutrali sation test indicated the virus was a member of the epizootic haemorrh agic disease serogroup. Serotype specific plaque reduction neutralisat ion tests, indicated the virus was a member of the epizootic haemorrha gic disease serogroup not previously isolated in Australia. Analysis o f the VP3 gene confirmed this observation. Cross neutralisation testin g of the isolate with known epizootic haemorrhagic disease serotype vi ruses including endemic Australian and exotic strains identified isola te DPP2209 as epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 1. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science B.V.