[BVD approach: vaccination and eradication]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Immunology
• Animal Health

Context:

• Accidental administration of a contaminated infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) vaccine in 1999 revealed cattle vulnerability to bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD).
• Only cattle with pre-existing BVD antibodies survived the unintentional challenge, highlighting the importance of immune status.
• BVD virus detection is laboratory-feasible, but eradication remains challenging.

Purpose:

• To assess the risk associated with BVD virus in cattle populations.
• To evaluate a targeted vaccination strategy for BVD control.
• To determine the economic implications of BVD infection and management.

Summary:

• A strategy involving pre-vaccination serological screening for BVD antibodies and subsequent vaccination of seronegative cattle was implemented on approximately twenty dairy farms over seven years.
• This approach aims to minimize financial losses by preventing BVDv infection in susceptible animals.
• The method is compatible with broader BVD eradication initiatives.

Impact:

• Demonstrates a cost-effective method for managing BVD virus in cattle.
• Provides a framework for preventing BVD outbreaks and reducing economic impact on dairy farms.
• Supports the development of comprehensive BVD eradication programs through risk mitigation and targeted interventions.