Pestivirus: Epidemiology, Evolution, Biology and Clinical Features

Pestiviruses infect predominantly even-toed ungulates, are distributed worldwide, and may economically affect livestock and swine production. Their potential differences in epidemiology and even in molecular epidemiology may be acting as local markers and may interfere with vaccine efficiency and countermeasure strategies. Moreover, the detection in atypical hosts and wildlife may influence the sanitary status in these animal species and even the virus evolution and emergence of new variants. Additionally, the discovery of new members of this important viral genus adds important information regarding evolution and host range. The continuous surveillance actualize the knowledge in this field, leading to a better understanding of pathogenesis, evolution and host range.

This Research Topic aims to discuss contributions in the field of pestivirus research and knowledge gained on their economic and animal health importance, clinical manifestations and spread which is threatening due to the following reasons:
- Economic losses due to pestivirus infections and introduction in previous non-endemic areas;
- Interference in immunity and vaccine efficiency due to the emergence of new virus species, subspecies and variants;
- Atypical hosts that may be directly affected or act as reservoir for animal production;
- Lack of knowledge in virus-host interaction mechanisms;
- New pestiviruses and atypical hosts that may add new information in virus evolution;
- Unusual clinical manifestations and more virulent virus strains.

Suitable topics for submissions include, but are not limited to:
- Epidemiology, detection, genetic diversity and evolution of pestiviruses
- Virus-host cell interaction
- Pestivirus infection in wild animals
- Immune response and vaccine development
- Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations