[Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8)-associated brain malformations in two calves]

Abstract

Congenital brain malformations such as hydranencephaly as well as internal and external hydrocephalus combined with porencephaly were diagnosed in two calves which were born in spring 2008. In both calves bluetongue virus was detected by real-time PCR. Teratogenic pestiviruses were not found by serological, molecular or immunohistological methods. A causal relationship between the malformations and the bluetongue serotype 8 epidemic in 2007 has to be considered.