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Bovine viral diarrhoea eradication and control programmes in Europe
Irene Greiser-Wilke1, Beatrice Grummer, Volker Moennig
1Institute of Virology, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany. irene.greiser-wilke@tiho-hannover.de
Summary
European countries implement Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) control programs, identifying and removing persistently infected (PI) animals. Strategies vary based on cattle density and seroprevalence, with Sweden and Germany showcasing different successful models.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Control
- Animal Health Economics
Background:
- Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) infections cause significant economic losses in cattle populations across Europe.
- European countries have initiated BVDV eradication or control programs to mitigate these economic impacts.
- Program strategies are tailored to regional cattle density and BVDV seroprevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and contrast different European BVDV control and eradication program models.
- To highlight the effectiveness of specific strategies in reducing BVDV prevalence and economic impact.
- To provide insights into successful BVDV management in diverse cattle populations.
Main Methods:
- The Swedish model: eradication focused on identification/elimination of PI animals, no vaccination, voluntary farmer participation, indirect antibody ELISA screening (serum, milk, bulk milk).
- The German model (e.g., Lower Saxony): control focused on reducing PI animals and virus circulation in high-density/seroprevalence areas, voluntary participation, public insurance cost-sharing, antigen capture ELISA screening (blood, serum), and vaccination protocols.
- Monitoring of herd status (BVDV-free certification) and seroprevalence over time.
Main Results:
- Sweden: Significant increase in BVDV-free herds from 35% in 1993 to 87% in 2001.
- The German model aims to minimize economic losses by reducing PI animals and virus circulation.
- Vaccination strategies in the German model include inactivated and live attenuated virus vaccines for immunization and boosting.
Conclusions:
- BVDV eradication and control programs are essential for mitigating economic losses in the cattle industry.
- Tailored strategies, considering regional factors like cattle density and seroprevalence, are crucial for program success.
- Both vaccination and non-vaccination approaches, combined with effective screening and PI animal identification, can lead to significant reductions in BVDV prevalence.