BVD and mucosal disease in cattle

Bovine viral diarrhoea is not simply a disease causing diarrhoea: infection can affect immunity, reproduction and the developing fetus. Many infections have few or no obvious signs, so appearance alone cannot establish herd status. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Persistently infected cattle

A persistently infected animal, usually abbreviated PI, may shed large quantities of virus and infect other cattle. PI calves may look normal or may show poor growth and increased illness. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Persistent infection develops following infection in fetal life under particular conditions. Mucosal disease is a severe form affecting persistently infected cattle, not a name for every case of calf diarrhoea. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Diagnosis needs a plan

Herd history, clinical assessment and appropriately selected laboratory tests are used together. A single antibody result does not always establish active infection, particularly in vaccinated herds. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Your veterinarian should decide which animals to test, the sample type and whether repeat testing is required. Test choice and interpretation matter when distinguishing transient from persistent infection. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Herd protection

• Introductions: consider testing and separation before replacement animals join the herd. (MSD Veterinary Manual)
• PI identification: develop a veterinary plan to identify and manage persistently infected animals. (MSD Veterinary Manual)
• Vaccination: account for pregnancy, previous vaccination and the specific product instructions. (MSD Veterinary Manual)

Contact the herd veterinarian if BVD is suspected. A feed additive is not a replacement for diagnostic testing or infection control.

See the viral disease overview and IBR guide. For feeding questions, contact AquaBlend.

Educational material, not a substitute for veterinary consultation. Diagnosis and treatment should be agreed with the herd veterinarian.