Head of the IEVSS&FE SFSCA RAS, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.G. Glotov took part in the scientific and practical conference with international participation "Invasive Species as a Potential Threat to Russia's Biological Security: Challenges and Risks," held May 26-29, 2026, at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Organizers: the Russian Academy of Sciences, the FSBI “All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center”, and the FSBI “Federal Center for Animal Health”.
Alexander Gavrilovich presented a paper entitled "Characteristics of the circulation of bovine respiratory complex viruses in Siberia." The paper focused on the problem of viral and, to some extent, bacterial infections in cattle associated with the mass import of high-yielding animals from abroad. The work was conducted at large Siberian dairy farms over a period of ten years. The etiology of widespread respiratory and reproductive tract diseases in cattle has been deciphered. It has been established that the leading roles in their occurrence are played by infectious rhinotracheitis viruses (bovine herpesvirus type 1), bovine herpesvirus type 4, three types of viral diarrhea viruses, parainfluenza virus type 3, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus. These viruses interact synergistically, exacerbating the severity of mixed infections. These diseases most often emerged in the context of transport and technological stress and high animal density per unit area. Viruses of other genetic species and genotypes, previously unknown in our country, played a significant role in the development of these pathologies. During the study, several new viruses were isolated, including viral diarrhea viruses types 2 and 3, as well as influenza virus type D. The adaptation period for imported animals lasted on average 2-3 years, accompanied by massive outbreaks of animal diseases and mortality. To study the heterogeneity of the virus population and predict new disease outbreaks, partial (using key target genes) and whole-genome sequencing of 85 strains of 5 virus species isolated in Siberia were conducted. The molecular epizootology of infections caused by these parasites was studied, and the main routes of introduction into our country were identified. As a result of the research, effective specific prevention plans were developed for each farm.
Such work is necessary to improve diagnostic test systems that can detect all existing pathogen species, genotypes, and subtypes, to study the molecular epizootiology of viral infections in a specific region to determine optimal tactics and strategies for anti-epidemic measures, and to select candidate virus strains for inclusion in vaccines. Measures developed with these factors in mind enable effective control of the epizootic situation on a specific farm and significantly reduce economic losses.