[Antibody titer against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in bulk milk samples from Bavaria]

A total of 5204 bulk milk samples were tested for antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) classified according to the scheme after Alenius. Forty-five percent of the samples from 2002 were classified as class 0 and class 1, 55% as class 2 and 3. 6420 bulk milk samples from 1997 were classified in an independent study in 65.6% class 0 and 1 and 34.4% in class 2 and 3. In class 0 and class 1 farms only very rarely persistent viremic animals have been found, whereas in class 2 and 3 their presence is highly likely. Our studies with non-selected sera defined the serological screening of bulk milk samples as a promising tool for a possible BVDV eradication program in Bavaria.