Network of Contacts between Cattle Herds in a French Area Affected by Bovine Tuberculosis in 2010

France attained ‘Officially Tuberculosis‐Free’ status in 2000. However, the Côte d’Or department (a French administrative unit) has since seen an increase in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) cases, with 35% of cases attributed to neighbourhood contamination. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of neighbourhood contacts in an area affected by bTB in 2010, through the use of social network methods. We carried out a survey to determine the frequency and distribution of between‐herd contacts in an area containing 22 farms. Contacts were weighted, as not all types of contact carried the same risk of bTB transmission. Cattle movement was considered to be associated with the highest risk, but was not observed within the studied area during the study period. Contact with wild boars was the most frequent type of contact, but was associated with a very low risk. Direct cattle‐to‐cattle contacts in pasture and contacts with badger latrines were less frequent, but entailed a greater risk of M. bovis transmission. Centrality values were heterogeneous in these two networks. This would enable the disease to spread more rapidly at the start of epidemics than in a perfect randomly mixed population. However, this situation should also result in the total number of infected herds being smaller. We attributed 95% of the contacts to direct contact in pasture or contact with wild boars or badger latrines. Other kinds of contact occurred less frequently (equipment sharing, cattle straying) or did not occur at all (attendance at a show). Most of the contact types were correlated, but none was sufficient in itself to account for all contacts between one particular farm and its neighbours. Contacts with neighbours therefore represent a challenge for the implementation or improvement of control measures.     

Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Egyptian Cattle and the Standardization of the Interferon‐gamma Assay as an Ancillary Test

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused primarily by Mycobacterium bovis continues to cause significant losses in the cattle industry and is a major public health problem. Despite its worldwide application, the IFN‐γ assay has not been applied in Egypt. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate cut‐off value of IFN‐γ assay to complement the skin test screening in Egypt. The relative sensitivity (Se_r) of PPD and antigen cocktail‐based IFN‐γ assays (IFN‐γ‐BA and IFN‐γ‐EC) was analysed retrospectively, relative to bTB confirmatory tests (culture and PCR), using single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test reactors during 2011–2013. The absolute specificity (Sp) was studied using blood samples collected from cattle from one bTB‐free herd. Analysis of the bTB database‐generated sheets indicates the infection rate had decreased from 2009 to 2012 and then increased in 2013. The disease is concentrated in the Egyptian Nile Delta and Valley relative to elsewhere in the country. The cut‐offs for IFN‐γ‐EC assay could be optimized to provide higher sensitivity, comparable to cut‐offs for IFN‐γ‐BA assay. Data analysis suggests (PPDb_OD > 0.1, PPDb_OD − NIL_OD > 0.05 and PPDb_OD > PPDa_OD) and (EC_OD − NIL_OD ≥ 0.1) cut‐off strategies to get optimal IFN‐γ‐BA and IFN‐γ‐EC assays results respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the prevalence of bTB in cattle in Egypt and pointing out the appropriate cut‐off criteria to optimize IFN‐γ assay as a routine ancillary test for diagnosis of bTB in Egypt.     

Patterns of Cattle Farm Visitation by White‐Tailed Deer in Relation to Risk of Disease Transmission in a Previously Infected Area with Bovine Tuberculosis in Minnesota,USA

The main objective of this study was to characterize spatial patterns of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) movement related to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) transmission risk to cattle in north‐western Minnesota. Twenty‐one adult deer (16 females and 5 males) were captured during winter (January–March) 2011 in areas adjacent to where an outbreak (2005–2009) of bTB occurred in deer and cattle. Deer were fitted with GPS collars programmed to collect deer location information every 90 min over a 15‐month period. The exact locations of cattle, cattle feeding areas, and stored forage that were available to collared deer were assessed seasonally. In total, 47% (n = 9) of collared deer survived to the end of the study. Causes of mortality included wolves (n = 6), hunters (n = 1) and unknown (n = 2); additionally, 2 deer were censored due to collar malfunctions. Our results indicated that 5 deer (25%) had home ranges that included 6 cattle farms (20%). Most (77%) of the deer visits occurred in areas where cattle were present, with most visits (60%) from 00:00 to 06:00. March to May revealed the most farm visitations by deer (37%). This study provided baseline information regarding cattle–deer interactions critical to transmission of bTB in this region and suggested that risk mitigation practices should be implemented to separate wildlife and domestic livestock when feasible.     

Risk Factors Associated with Bovine Tuberculosis and Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium bovis Strains in Urban Settings in Niger

A retrospective and a longitudinal survey were carried out at the abattoir of Niamey. Results showed a highly significant difference in suspected tuberculosis (TB) gross lesions among different animal species (P < 0.0001). The proportion of carcasses with TB‐like lesions was 0.19% among cattle, 0.11% among camels, 0.001% among sheep and 0.0006% among goats. In cattle, cows are significantly more affected than the other categories (P < 0.001). Also in cattle, TB‐like lesions are mostly localized in the lungs (92.77%) followed by the lymph nodes (50.87%) and the liver (32.40%). The prevalence of gross lesions compatible with bovine TB (BTB) is strongly influenced by the season (P < 0.0001), is closely correlated with the origin of the animals (P < 0.001) and has a negative impact on the weight of affected animals (P < 0.0001). Sixty‐two samples of suspected TB gross lesions were subject to microbiological analysis and molecular typing of strains. Mycobacterium bovis was identified in 18 animals showing five different spoligotypes, belonging to type ‘African 1’ previously identified in Central and West Africa. In addition, a profile (SB1982) not previously reported distinguished by the absence of spacers 3, 4, 9, 16, 22, 30 and 39–43 has been characterized in this study. To assess risk factors for BTB transmission, a questionnaire on animal husbandry practices, food habits, and clinical signs of TB in animals and humans was submitted to the heads of 1131 randomly selected households. The main risk factors identified are consumption of unpasteurized milk (91%) and lack of hygiene within households (32–74%). Clinical signs that could be attributed to TB were also reported both in humans and in animals of the households.     

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection Incidence in Hospitalized Renal Transplant Patients in the United States, 1998–2000

The incidence, risk factors, and prognosis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection have not been reported in a national population of renal transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 15,870 Medicare patients who received renal transplants from January 1, 1998 to July 31, 2000. Cox regression analysis derived adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) for factors associated with a diagnosis of MTB infection (by Medicare Institutional Claims) and the association of MTB infection with survival. There were 66 renal transplant recipients diagnosed with tuberculosis infection after transplant (2.5 cases per 1000 person years at risk, with some falling off of cases over time). The most common diagnosis was pulmonary TB (41 cases). In Cox regression analysis, only systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was independently associated with TB. Mortality after TB was diagnosed was 23% at 1 year, which was significantly higher than in renal transplant recipients without TB (AHR, 4.13, 95% CI, 2.21, 7.71, p < 0.001). Although uncommon, MTB infection is associated with a substantially increased risk of mortality after renal transplantation. High-risk groups, particularly those with SLE prior to transplant, might benefit from intensified screening.     

Tuberculosis in southern Chinese renal‐transplant recipients

Abstract: Objectives: To analyze the characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in Southern Chinese renal transplant recipients, and summarize the corresponding experiences in diagnosis and management. Method: Retrospectively study 41 documented post‐transplant TB cases out of the 2333 patients who received kidney transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University between Jan. 1991 and Apr. 2007. Results: TB in the post‐renal‐transplant population in Southern China displayed the following characteristics: (i) high incidence within a short time after transplantation, the median interval between renal transplantation and diagnosis of TB was 8 months (range: 1‐156 months) and 56.1% were diagnosed within the first year post‐transplant; (ii) high prevalence (51.2%) of extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis; (iii) high co‐infection rate (19.5%), pathogens included candida albicans, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter haemolyticus and cytomegalovirus; (iv) fever (82.9%), cough (56.1%) and sputum (39.0%) are the most common clinical manifestations; (v) purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) skin test had little diagnostic value in this group with a negative result in all 41 cases; (vi) acute rejection (29.3%) and liver function damage (17.1%) were the main adverse effects of anti‐tuberculosis chemotherapy; (vii) mortality of patients with post‐transplant tuberculosis reached up to 22.0%. Conclusions: Chinese renal transplant recipients face a high risk of TB because of their immuno‐compromised state and epidemiological prevalence of the disease. Therefore, attention should be given to this differential diagnosis in clinical practice. Balancing the benefits and disadvantages of anti‐tuberculosis chemotherapy is of importance for this specific population.     

Nationwide Cross‐Sectional Study on Bovine Tuberculosis by Intra Vitam Testing in Germany, 2013–2014

Germany was declared officially free from bovine tuberculosis (bTB) effective from 1 July 1996. After the occurrence of several Mycobacterium (M.) bovis outbreaks in north‐western Germany in recent years with high intraherd prevalence at the time of detection, the reliability of abattoir surveillance as the principal component of the national bTB control programme was debated by veterinary public health officials. Rising numbers of wildlife‐associated outbreaks caused by M. caprae in southern Germany eventually prompted a nationwide cross‐sectional study on bTB. A total of 51 999 cattle, that is 0.41% of the national herd kept on 1.73% of German cattle farms, were tested. Despite 4 positive and 152 inconclusive single intradermal comparative cervical test results, none of the animals was confirmed as bTB‐positive by a subsequent interferon‐release assay or by post‐mortem PCR testing. The estimated prevalence of bTB in Germany was thus calculated as 0.0% (CI 0.0000–0.0064%) affirming that Germany still qualifies as an officially tuberculosis‐free (OTF) country. Occasional randomized nationwide testing can be an appropriate tool to reassure the OTF status and may also help to maintain an appropriate training level for the diagnostic procedures and for supporting sustained disease awareness among stakeholders.     

Seroprevalence of Bovine Ephemeral Fever Virus in Domesticated and Wildlife Species during Epidemic and Inter‐epidemic Periods (2000–2009) in Israel

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is an economically important vector‐borne viral disease of cattle and buffalo. It has been reported from most of the world's tropical and subtropical regions. In the last few decades, outbreaks of BEF have occurred in Israel almost every other year. Several serological studies have demonstrated a wide range of wild animal species that are positive for BEF virus (BEFV) antibodies. However, the question of whether wild animals and domesticated species other than cattle also play an important role in the maintenance and transmission of BEFV in Israel remains. Here, we examined the prevalence of anti‐BEFV antibodies in 942 samples collected from various wild, semi‐captive and domesticated animal species during the years 2000–2009 using the serum neutralization (SN) method. SN test revealed the presence of BEFV‐neutralizing antibodies in nine samples (0.96%), from three species: Bubalus bubalis (4/29, 13.79%), Gazella g. gazella (3/68, 4.44%) and Dama d. mesopotamica (2/296, 0.68%). All positive samples were collected in areas of earlier outbreaks. The low prevalence of positive animals and the solid correlation with prior outbreaks indicate that the tested species probably do not serve as virus reservoirs and may play only a minor role in the maintenance of BEFV in the Middle East.     

Bovine Tuberculosis: A Review of Current and Emerging Diagnostic Techniques in View of their Relevance for Disease Control and Eradication

Existing strategies for long‐term bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control/eradication campaigns are being reconsidered in many countries because of the development of new testing technologies, increased global trade, continued struggle with wildlife reservoirs of bTB, redistribution of international trading partners/agreements, and emerging financial and animal welfare constraints on herd depopulation. Changes under consideration or newly implemented include additional control measures to limit risks with imported animals, enhanced programs to mitigate wildlife reservoir risks, re‐evaluation of options to manage bTB‐affected herds/regions, modernization of regulatory framework(s) to re‐focus control efforts, and consideration of emerging testing technologies (i.e. improved or new tests) for use in bTB control/eradication programs. Traditional slaughter surveillance and test/removal strategies will likely be augmented by incorporation of new technologies and more targeted control efforts. The present review provides an overview of current and emerging bTB testing strategies/tools and a vision for incorporation of emerging technologies into the current control/eradication programs.     

Detection and Quantification of Bovine Papilloma Virus Type 2 (BPV‐2) by Real‐time PCR in Urine and Urinary Bladder Lesions in Enzootic Bovine Haematuria (EBH)‐Affected Cows

This study was conducted with the objectives of detecting bovine papillomavirus type 2 (BPV‐2) in urine samples and urinary bladder lesions in bovines using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR‐based molecular diagnostic tests, and quantifying BPV‐2 in urinary bladder lesions especially in enzootic bovine haematuria (EBH)‐affected animals. BPV‐2 viral DNA was detected in urine samples (50%) and urinary bladder tissue (68.6%). Cloning and sequencing results showed a close homology with other Indian BPV‐2 sequences. Quantitative real‐time PCR (SYBR Green assay) showed that the BPV‐2 load was low and similar irrespective of inflammatory or neoplastic lesions in the bladder. It was concluded that BPV‐2 DNA is frequently present in urine and urinary bladder lesions in cows in an EBH endemic region and virus load was low in urinary bladder lesions.     

Spontaneous Cutaneous Papillomatosis in Yaks and Detection and Quantification of Bovine Papillomavirus‐1 and ‐2

Seven clinical cases of cutaneous papillomatosis in yaks were studied in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Sporadic, single or a chain of multiple varying size warts appeared around the eyes or on the body. Predominant site of warts was around eyes. Histopathologically, these cases were diagnosed as fibropapilloma. It was confirmed by the detection of BPV‐1 and BPV‐2 or their mixed infection by PCR and sequencing. Quantitative SYBR Green real‐time PCR detected comparatively lower viral DNA copy number in cutaneous warts (CWs). Cases of CWs and its causative agent as bovine papillomavirus (BPVs) are reported for the first time in yaks.     

Differential Cell Composition and Cytokine Expression Within Lymph Node Granulomas from BCG‐Vaccinated and Non‐vaccinated Cattle Experimentally Infected with Mycobacterium bovis

Cattle vaccination against bovine tuberculosis (bTB) has been proposed as a supplementary method to help control the incidences of this disease. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is currently the only viable candidate vaccine for immunization of cattle against bTB, caused by Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis). In an attempt to characterize the differences in the immune response following M. bovis infection between BCG‐vaccinated and non‐vaccinated animals, a combination of gross pathology, histopathology and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses was used. BCG vaccination was found to significantly reduce the number of gross and microscopic lesions present within the lungs and lymph nodes. Additionally, the microscopically visible bacterial load of stages III and IV granulomas was reduced. IHC using cell surface markers revealed the number of CD68+ (macrophages), CD3+ (T lymphocytes) and WC1+ cells (γδ T cells) to be significantly reduced in lymph node granulomas of BCG‐vaccinated animals, when compared to non‐vaccinated animals. B lymphocytes (CD79a+) were significantly increased in BCG‐vaccinated cattle for granulomas at stages II, III and IV. IHC staining for iNOS showed a higher expression in granulomas from BCG‐vaccinated animals compared to non‐vaccinated animals for all stages, being statistically significant in stages I and IV. TGFβ expression decreased alongside the granuloma development in non‐vaccinated animals, whereas BCG‐vaccinated animals showed a slight increase alongside lesion progression. IHC analysis of the cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α demonstrated significantly increased expression within the lymph node granulomas of BCG‐vaccinated cattle. This is suggestive of a protective role for IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in response to M. bovis infection. Findings shown in this study suggest that the use of BCG vaccine can reduce the number and severity of lesions, induce a different phenotypic response and increase the local expression of key cytokines related to protection.     

Sheep as a Potential Source of Bovine TB: Epidemiology,Pathology and Evaluation of Diagnostic Techniques

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) infection is infrequently diagnosed in sheep. Most reports are from single individual cases or flock outbreaks. However, in Spain several outbreaks have been reported recently, all of which had epidemiological links with TB‐infected cattle herds. A total of 897 sheep suspected of being infected with TB and belonging to 23 flocks cohabiting with TB‐infected cattle herds and/or goats were tested between 2009 and 2013 in Galicia (north‐western Spain), using pathological, immunological and molecular techniques. Of these, 50.44% were positive by culture, 83.23% by histopathology and 24.92%, 4.86% and 59.42% by single intradermal tuberculin test (SITT), interferon‐γ and ELISA, respectively. Results suggest that in circumstances akin to those in our study, sheep may be considered as a potential source of TB. We conclude that under similar conditions, serious consideration should be given to TB testing sheep, as they may represent a potential risk to other susceptible co‐habiting species. The SITT and ELISA are recommended as the simplest and most cost‐effective initial approaches for the diagnosis of TB in sheep under field conditions. However, when possible, interferon‐γ should be applied to increase sensitivity.     

Control of Bovine Brucellosis from Persistently Infected Holdings Using RB51 Vaccination with Test‐and‐Slaughter: A Comparative Case Report from a High Incidence Area in Portugal

Bovine brucellosis due to Brucella abortus infection causes significant reproductive and production losses in cattle and is a major zoonosis. Eradication of this disease has proved difficult to achieve in Portugal where it still occurs in some regions despite an ongoing national eradication programme. In 2004, the Alentejo region, a major cattle producing area, reported one of the highest levels of bovine brucellosis in the country, especially in one divisional area. In that area, bovine brucellosis was particularly problematic in a holding of ten herds, the largest extensive cattle unit in the country, which remained infected despite an extensive test‐and‐slaughter programme and depopulation of five herds. A 5‐year programme of RB51 vaccination with biannual test‐and‐slaughter was thus implemented in 2004. The apparent animal seroprevalence decreased from 19% (646/3,400) to 3% (88/2930) on the third herd‐level test and remained below 0.8% (27/3324) after the fourth test. After the tenth test, the holding had a prevalence of 0.1% (2/2332) and only one herd remained positive with a within‐herd prevalence of 1.1% (2/177). The results were compared to all other herds (n = 10) in the divisional area that were also persistently infected but were subject only to test‐and‐slaughter before being depopulated. In these herds, the strategy of test‐and‐slaughter did not reduce the prevalence, which remained significantly higher than the vaccinated group (median = 0.48% and 8.5% in vaccinated versus non‐vaccinated herds; Wilcoxon rank sum test; P < 0.01). The success of this pilot programme in continental Portugal provided a valuable case study to the official veterinary services by illustrating the value of RB51 vaccination with parallel testing and improved biosecurity as a comprehensive and sustainable strategy for bovine brucellosis control in persistently infected herds.     

A Prospective Longitudinal Study Evaluating the Usefulness of a T‐Cell‐Based Assay for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients

We evaluated whether ELISPOT assay can predict tuberculosis (TB) development in kidney‐transplantation (KT) recipients with a negative tuberculin skin test (TST). All adult patients admitted to a KT institute between June 2008 and December 2009 were enrolled; TB development after KT was observed between June 2008 and December 2010. Isoniazid (INH) was given to those patients with positive TST or clinical risk factors for latent TB infection (LTBI). ELISPOT assay was performed on all patients, and TB development after KT was observed by a researcher blinded to the results of ELISPOT. A total of 312 KT recipients including 242 (78%) living‐donor KT were enrolled. Of the 312 patients, 40 (13%) had positive TST or clinical risk factors for LTBI and received INH; none developed TB after KT. Of the remaining 272 patients, 4 (6%) of 71 with positive ELISPOT assay developed TB after KT, whereas none of the 201 patients with negative (n = 171) or indeterminate ELISPOTs (n = 30) developed TB after KT (rate difference between positive and negative/indeterminate ELISPOT, 3.3 per 100 person‐years [95% CI 1.4–5.1, p<0.001]). Positive ELISPOT results predict subsequent development of TB in KT recipients in whom LTBI cannot be detected by TST or who lack clinical risk factors for LTBI.     

Factors that Influence Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Red Deer and Wild Boar in an Epidemiological Risk Area for Tuberculosis of Game Species in Portugal

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a worldwide zoonotic disease of domestic and wild animals. Eradication has proved elusive in those countries with intensive national programmes but with ongoing transmission between wildlife and cattle. In Portugal, a high‐risk area for bTB was defined and specific measures implemented to assess and minimize the risk from wildlife. Data from the 2011 to 2014 hunting seasons for red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) were analysed with bovine demographic and bTB information to assess factors that determined the occurrence and distribution of bTB in both species. The likelihood of bTB‐like lesions in wild boar was positively associated with density of red deer, wild boar and cattle, while for red deer, only their density and age were significant factors. The likelihood of Mycobacterium bovis isolation in wild boar was associated with density of cattle and red deer and also with the anatomical location of lesions, while for red deer, none of the variables tested were statistically significant. Our results suggest that, in the study area, the role of red deer and wild boar may be different from the one previously suggested by other authors for the Iberian Peninsula, as red deer may be the driving force behind M. bovis transmission to wild boar. These findings may assist the official services and game managing bodies for the management of hunting zones, what could also impact the success of the bTB eradication programme.     

Evidence of Presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Bovine Tissue Samples by Multiplex PCR: Possible Relevance to Reverse Zoonosis

Bovine tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, remains one of the most important zoonotic health concerns worldwide. The transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from humans to animals also occurs especially in countries where there is close interaction of humans with the animals. In the present study, thirty bovine lung tissue autopsy samples from an organized dairy farm located in North India were screened for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by smear microscopy, histopathological findings and PCR. Differential diagnosis of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis was made based on the deletion of mce‐3 operon in M. bovis. The present study found eight of these samples positive for M. tuberculosis by multiplex PCR. Sequencing was performed on two PCR‐positive representative samples and on annotation, and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of gene fragment specific to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The presence of M. tuberculosis in all the positive samples raises the possibility of human‐to‐cattle transmission and possible adaptation of this organism in bovine tissues. This study accentuates the importance of screening and differential diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in humans and livestock for adopting effective TB control and eradication programmes.     

Evaluation of the Interferon‐γ Assay on Blood Collected at Exsanguination of Cattle Under Field Conditions for Surveillance of Bovine Tuberculosis

Development of point of concentration (POC) surveillance strategies for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) would facilitate global efforts to eradicate bTB. The interferon‐gamma (IFNγ) assay can detect IFNγ responses to Mycobacterium bovis in blood collected at commencement of exsanguination (COE) of experimentally challenged cattle but has not been evaluated under field conditions. The current study was aimed at determining (i) whether blood collected at COE of cattle at slaughter, under field conditions, is practical to obtain and useful for identifying cattle as IFNγ positive for bTB, (ii) whether the results of the IFNγ assay obtained at COE reliably compare with results obtained from live animals in the field, and (iii) whether the identified animal(s) originated from bTB‐infected or bTB‐exposed herds. Cattle from three risk groups were used: the highest risk group consisted of 49 cattle from 3 bTB‐infected herds; the medium risk group consisted of 24 cattle from a potentially exposed herd; and the lowest risk group consisted of 60 cattle from herds with no known history of bTB exposure. The IFNγ assay was performed on blood collected both before stunning and at COE of cattle at slaughter. An enhanced slaughter inspection for gross lesions consistent with bTB was performed on all cattle. In addition, lymph nodes were cultured for M. bovis for cattle that tested positive for bTB via the IFNγ assay and for most cattle that tested negative for bTB. Cattle, both with and without lesions consistent with bTB, were identified as positive for bTB by the IFNγ assay using blood collected at COE, but none of the positive cattle originated from the lowest risk group. The current study demonstrates that blood collected at COE of cattle is both a practical and moderately reliable sample for accessing bTB infection using the IFNγ assay.     

Genetic Detection and Characterization of Atypical Bovine Pestiviruses in Foetal Bovine Sera Claimed to be of Australian Origin

Summary Two European laboratories independently detected atypical bovine pestiviral nucleic acids in three commercial batches of foetal bovine serum (FBS) that was claimed by the producers to be of Australian origin. Additional batches of FBS were obtained directly from Australia to exclude possible contamination of the Australian FBS with that of South American origin during manufacturing/packaging in European countries. RT‐PCR amplification of partial 5′untranslated region and the complete N^pro gene yielded a specific band with expected size, which was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Bayesian analysis of sequence data demonstrated a closer phylogenetic relation of the newly detected atypical bovine pestiviruses to those of South American origin, which were related to the recognized bovine pestivirus species, bovine viral diarrhoea virus. Taken together, the results indicated the presence of atypical bovine pestiviruses in the Australian FBS, and most likely in Australian Continent.