Molecular Epidemiology and Control Strategies for BVDV: A Global Systematic Review From 2000 to 2025

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) remains a significant and highly contagious pathogen that markedly impacts production and reproductive performances of different animals worldwide. This review represents the global epidemiology of BVDV, emphasizing its genetic diversity, prevalence, host range, associated risk factors, diagnostic advancements, and control strategies. A systematic electronic search was performed to retrieve relevant published articles. A total of 248 studies published over the past 26 years (from January 2000 to March 2025) across 69 countries were included. Data showed that BVDV-1 has been detected across all the continents and comprises 25 subgenotypes (1a-1x and Chinese ZM-95), of which the predominant subgenotypes are 1a, 1b, and 1c. Multiple subgenotypes, such as BVDV-1f, 1g, 1h, 1k, 1l, 1r, 1s, 1t, 1u, and 1x, were distinct and circulating in European countries. Additionally, five subgenotypes (2a-2e) of BVDV-2 have been identified, with BVDV-2a being the most frequently reported in different geographical locations. Notably, the emergence of HoBi-like pestivirus subgenotypes (BVDV-3a-3d) has been detected in Russia, Italy, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh. Overall, the high prevalence of BVDV has been reported in various European (2.9%-87.1%) and Asian countries (0.2%-89.49%). Although cattle are the primary host, BVDV infections have been documented across a wide range of domestic and wild species, including buffalo, sheep, goats, deer, bison, yak, camelids (camels, alpacas, and llamas), pigs, and wild boar. While Ag/Ab-ELISA remains a widely used diagnostic method, advanced techniques, such as RT-qPCR, CRISPR-Cas12a, RT-LAMP, and genome sequencing, are utilized for confirmatory identification and genotyping of BVDV. Introduction of persistently infected (PI) animals into herds, grazing on common pasture, animal movements, mixed farming practices, and unhygienic breeding practices were frequently documented as potential risk factors. Key measures for controlling and eradicating BVDV include culling of PI animals, prophylactic vaccination, and avoiding mixed farming practices.