Integrated BVD control plans for beef operations

Abstract

Infection of cattle with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) can result in a wide assortment of disease manifestations. Diseases related to BVDV cause economic losses to cattle producers throughout the world due to decreased performance, loss of milk production, reproductive wastage, and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. There are three broad types of BVDV infection: acute, fetal, and persistent. It is persistent infection that is predominantly responsible for perpetuating the virus in cattle populations, and animals persistently infected with BVDV are an important target for control of transmission. The approach to BVDV control must be multidimensional, with consideration for all tools at our disposal including strategic management of the production system, diagnostic investigation, and vaccination. Decisions regarding BVDV control should factor into consideration the strategy's potential to decrease risk for transmission and its cost. Producers must first know with reasonable certainty if the virus is circulating in the herd. If the virus is found in the herd, then the appropriate actions are those that minimize the harmful effects of infection or work to eliminate the virus. If the virus is not present in the herd, then the appropriate actions are those that keep the herd free of BVDV and minimize losses should the virus be introduced. Recently, a new website was created to consolidate BVDV information in a single location on the internet: www.bvdinfo.org.