Can I control BVDV infection in my herd with a good strategic vaccination program?
Yes and No. Vaccination usually protects animals from disease (illness and death) but does not protect them from becoming infected with the virus (subclinical infection). Subclinically infected animals can shed the virus in their blood (viremia) and hence expose the fetus to BVDV. How common are PI animals? About 1% or less of all cattle tested at the Wisconsin Animal Health Laboratories (WAHL) are persistently infected with BVDV. However, studies indicate that approximately 15% of the dairy herds in Wisconsin contain at least one PI animal. Some of the PI herds tested at WAHL contained 5% or more PI animals. How do I find out if I have BVD virus present in my herd? If you suspect acute BVDV infection or if you are concerned about the possibility of a PI animal(s) being present in your herd contact your veterinarian. He or she will know the proper samples to sent to the laboratory to confirm BVDV infection. If your veterinarian has any questions, he or she may contact the Wisconsin Ani
