Shropshire Farming Talk: BVD testing for herds
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is more common in dairy herds than beef, which is a problem for the dairy sector because BVD reduces fertility and therefore hits lifetime milk production.
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It also increases abortions, calf illness and mastitis levels.
By far the main source of BVD is the PI (persistently infected animal) which is born infected and produces massive quantities of virus for its entire life.
PIs quickly infect unprotected cattle by direct contact or indirectly (transient infection) via unwashed equipment, vehicles, or clothing.
They may look perfectly healthy, but PIs are a continuous risk to the rest of your herd: Pls should be removed from the herd immediately.
In a lactating cow, fertility can become negatively affected as BVD can cause early re-absorptions from six to eight weeks.
Infection during the gestation period can result in abortions and deformities.
BVD causesoral ulcers and lesions of the abomasum, intestine and colon.
Symptoms of a PI animal suffering secondary mucosal disease can include diarrhoea, anorexia, ulcers inside the cheeks, nose and on the tongue, limping and prostration leading to death often within 5 to 10 days.
The most effective way to detect BVD in a herd is looking for exposure to BVD virus by measuring antibody levels in bulk milk, individual cow milk or blood samples from cows.
Identifying persistently infected cattle (PIs) is done by using either ear notch tissue tags, blood tests or screening the bulk milk for the possible presence of a PI with a PCR test.
Money spent on testing and prevention measures (ie. vaccination, double fencing) is recouped in increased milk production, improved calf survival and reduced antibiotic costs.
For information on testing for BVD call CIS on 01923 695319 or watch the CIS BVD Webinar at https://youtu.be/aiPPJZMrmyE
