Seroepidemiological Studies of Aino Virus Infection in Korean Cattle

Aino virus infection is characterized by abortion, stillbirth, and congenital abnormalities such as arthropgryposishydranencephaly syndrome in calves. In Korea, Aino virus infection was first reported in 1997 by researchers who were investigating the cause of newborn calf deformities. Given the incidence of Aino-related deformities, the need for a study of the Aino virus infection status in Korea was recognized. In this study, we investigated the nationwide seroepidemiological status of Aino virus infection. A total of 9,921 serum samples collected between 1993 and 2001, and 23,760 serum samples between 2002 and 2007 were tested using a virus neutralization assay. The seroprevalence of Aino virus was 73.1, 63.8, 44.9, 56.0, 38.5, 28.4 18.3, 19.6, and 23.2%, respectively, between 1993 and 2001, and 43.8, 42.9, 50.7, 55.3, 31.4, and 25.4%, respectively, between 2002 and 2007. Aino virus infection does not pose a major threat to the bovine industry in Korea till now. The future prospects for Aino virus infection in cattle, however, may change with the global warming phenomena. The results of this study may serve as a basis for future epidemiological studies on Aino virus infection.