PCR-based Detection of Bovine Papillomavirus DNA from the Cutaneous Papillomas and Surrounding Environments in the Korean Native Cattle, Hanwoo

Two 1-year old calves of Korean Native cattle (Hanwoo) presented cutaneous papillomas on the face and neck. Type 2 bovine papillomavirus (BPV-2) was identified in the cutaneous papillomas based on BPV-specific PCR and subsequent DNA sequencing analysis results. Using DNA samples extracted from two affected calves and unaffected animals reared in the same stable, BPV-2 was not only detected in the cutaneous papillomas of affected animals based on BPV-specific PCR analysis, but also detected in normal skins, hairs, and their environments based on nested PCR analysis. BPV-2 was also detected in DNA samples isolated from animals and environments of that distinct stable with affected calves. However, no BPV-2 was detected in the drinking water of both stables (infected and unaffected). These findings concluded that BPV-2 was transmitted by direct or indirect contact, not by drinking water. This is the first report to show molecular evidence of BPV-2 infection. Rapid and precise molecular identification can be used to screen BPV-2 in cattle farms to understand the biological roles of BPV in animal diseases.