Nebovirus
Nebovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Caliciviridae. These viruses are known to infect animals, including but not limited to cattle. The genome is single-stranded, positive-sense RNA. The name "Nebovirus" is derived from Nebraska, USA, where the first strain was identified in bovine samples.
Neboviruses are typically associated with gastrointestinal illness, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in affected animals, particularly young calves. The virus is believed to be transmitted via the fecal-oral route. While typically not considered a major cause of mortality, Nebovirus infections can lead to significant economic losses due to reduced productivity and the cost of veterinary care.
Diagnosis of Nebovirus infection typically involves laboratory testing of fecal samples, often using methods like reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the viral RNA.
Prevention strategies often focus on good hygiene practices, biosecurity measures, and potentially vaccination strategies (though vaccines may not be widely available or effective against all strains). Further research is ongoing to understand the full spectrum of Nebovirus strains, their prevalence, and effective control measures.