Isolation and Characterization of bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 genotype C from brown cattle with respiratory disease in Yili, Xinjiang, China

Purpose In winter 2025, a severe respiratory disease outbreak occurred in brown cattle in Yili, Xinjiang, China. Results We detected bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV-3) in all clinical samples from affected animals and successfully isolated the virus. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis classified the isolates as genotype C, which is currently the predominant lineage circulating in Chinese cattle herds. Importantly, the key antigenic epitopes of the HN and F proteins were fully conserved compared with the approved vaccine strain SD0835. Conclusion This study provides the first molecular evidence of BPIV-3 genotype C as the causative agent of a respiratory disease outbreak in brown cattle in Xinjiang, and the epitope conservation suggests that the existing vaccine may offer cross-protective efficacy. Our findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and prompt implementation of preventive strategies in this region.