Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Co-Infection with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus, Bovine Enterovirus, and Caprine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 in a Calf from a Cattle Herd in Xizang, China

Abstract

Simple Summary Diarrhea is a major health problem in young cattle, but the causes are often hard to identify—especially in remote, high-altitude regions like Xizang, where disease monitoring is limited. In July 2024, a calf on a farm in Linzhi, Xizang, developed severe diarrhea and breathing difficulties. A sample from the calf was analyzed using advanced genetic technology that can detect any virus present without needing to know what to look for in advance. Three different viruses were found in the same animal: one type of bovine viral diarrhea virus, plus two others—a bovine enterovirus and a virus typically found in goats. The goat-like virus was almost identical to a strain previously found in eastern China, suggesting that animal movements may spread diseases across long distances. These findings demonstrate the value of modern genetic tools for detecting mixed infections that might otherwise be missed. The genetic information obtained in this study can help veterinarians and researchers better understand which viruses are circulating in Xizang and how to protect livestock in this region.