ARS | Publication request: Preventive strategy for BVDV infection in North America

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 29, 2011
Publication Date: February 3, 2012
Citation: Ridpath, J.F. 2012. Preventive strategy for BVDV infection in North America [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Worldwide Infectious Diseases of Farm Animal in Production Medicine: Prospective and Perspective, February 3-4, 2012, Hokkaido, Japan. Available: http://jsfavm12.umin.jp/program_e.pdf.

Technical Abstract: Despite control efforts, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infections remain a source of significant economic loss for producers in the United States. The success of control efforts in Scandinavia has demonstrated that BVDV eradication is possible. However, it is not possible to take a “one size fits all” approach to the design of eradication programs for different regions. Program design in the United States varies by region within the country based on the incidence of BVDV, density of animal populations, animal movement, contact with wildlife populations, level of producer compliance, variation among circulating BVDV strains, prevalent type of production unit or industry, and support offered by state institutions. The Upper Peninsula BVDV Eradication Program in Michigan, the Montana BVD-PI Herd Biosecurity Project, and the Alabama Voluntary BVD Control Program illustrates three different regional approaches. While the details of control programs may differ by region, the most efficacious programs are built around a three-pronged attack consisting of biosecurity (aimed at the development of management practices that prevent BVDV from being introduced into a herd), surveillance (to detect and remove PI animals), and control (use of means, such as vaccination, to limit BVDV spread if it is introduced into a herd). The successful implementation of these programs rests upon a strong education component that increases producer involvement and compliance.