Protocol for Identification of BVD PI Calves with Maternal Antibodies in Beef and Dairy Operations

Authors

  • Mel Pence University of Georgia, Athens, GA
  • Sandy Baldwin University of Georgia, Athens, GA
  • Larry Hawkins University of Georgia, Athens, GA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20005390

Keywords:

Bovine Virus Diarrhea, persistently infected, immune response, fetal immune system

Abstract

Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD) virus was first recognized as a pathogen in1946, and has been implicated as the cause of one of the most widespread and economically important diseases of cattle.

The importance of bovine virus diarrhea-persistently infected (BVD-PI) cattle in the spread and propagation of BVD virus has been well documented. A persistent BVD infection occurs when a fetus is exposed to the BVD virus in the first 120 days of gestation. At this stage, the developing fetal immune system recognizes the virus as part of "self", therefore, no immune response occurs. After birth, these BVD-PI cattle excrete tremendous amounts of virus from every body orifice throughout most of their lives, and thus are considered to be the most important reservoir for BVD virus. It is estimated that approximately 1% of all cattle are persistently infected.

Cover image of the 33rd Conference Proceedings: Cattle and calves standing in a field of wildflowers, gazing curiously at the photographer. Yellow background.

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Published

2000-09-21

Issue

2000

Section

Research Summaries 2

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