Molecular characterization of recombinant LSDV isolates from 2022 outbreak in Indonesia through phylogenetic networks and whole-genome SNP-based analysis.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes caused by the LSD virus, leading to high morbidity, low mortality, and a significant economic impact. Initially endemic to Africa only, LSD has spread to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia in the past decade. The most effective control strategy for LSD is the vaccination of cattle with live-attenuated LSDV vaccines. Consequently, the emergence of two groups of LSDV strains in Asian countries, one closely related to the ancient Kenyan LSDV isolates and the second made of recombinant viruses with a backbone of Neethling-vaccine and field isolates, emphasized the need for constant molecular surveillance. This current study investigated the first outbreak of LSD in Indonesia in 2022. Molecular characterization of the isolate circulating in the country based on selected LSDV-marker genes: RPO30, GPCR, EEV glycoprotein gene, and B22R, as well as whole genome analysis using several analytical tools, indicated the Indonesia LSDV isolate as a recombinant of LSDV_Neethling_vaccine_LW_1959 and LSDV_NI-2490. The analysis clustered the Indonesia_LSDV with the previously reported LSDV recombinants circulating in East and Southeast Asia, but different from the recombinant viruses in Russia and the field isolates in South-Asian countries. Additionally, this study has demonstrated alternative accurate ways of LSDV whole genome analysis and clustering of isolates, including the recombinants, instead of whole-genome phylogenetic tree analysis. These data will strengthen our understanding of the pathogens' origin, the extent of their spread, and determination of suitable control measures required.

Seroprevalence of peste des petits ruminants disease in Indonesian buffaloes may be an emerging threat to small ruminants.

Background and Aim: The peste des petit ruminants (PPR) is a disaster-class virus that causes catastrophic drawbacks to small ruminant industries in affected countries. As PPR disease has been reported in neighboring countries, Indonesia, which has a large population of sheep and goats, has become prone to the emerging threat of infection. Because the virus can also infect other animals with subclinical manifestations, large ruminants, such as buffaloes, may play an important role in spreading the virus in the environment. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to identify PPR seroprevalence in the buffalo population of Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to identify the specific antibody for PPR viruses in the buffalo population using serum bank collection from the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia. Results: PPR virus seroprevalence was detected in buffalo from Central Java, East Java, and East Nusa Tenggara Province in Indonesia. Although seroprevalence was low in the population, the antibody titer was relatively high in the positive samples. Sex and age were identified as determinant factors in the seroprevalence distribution of the buffalo population. Conclusion: The presence of antibodies against the PPR virus in buffaloes may indicate that PPR virus is circulating in the buffalo population of Indonesia.