BVD Basics
BVD can have a major impact on your business whether or not your herd is currently infected with the virus. The resources below can help you better understand your risks and your options to make the best decisions about keeping your cattle safe from BVD.
Understanding BVD
BVD Biology
BVD does the most damage when pregnant cattle get infected and the virus passes through the placenta to infect the developing fetus. Find out how this can lead to calves being born persistently infected (PI) with BVD and why removing them from the population is key to breaking the BVD cycle.
BVD Spread
With at least 1 in 3 cattle farms in New Zealand currently infected with BVD, there is a good chance of your cattle being exposed to the virus through the movements of animals, personnel, and equipment between farms. Find out how you can keep BVD out of your business.
BVD Impacts
BVD can take a major bite into your bottom line through its effects on reproduction, milk production, calf health, and growth rates. Although the signs may be subtle, don’t underestimate the benefits of getting rid of BVD for your herd’s future health. Find out more about the impacts of BVD.
Although persistently infected (PI) animals are often smaller and sicker than their herd mates, some can look completely normal.
Stop PI animals from biting into your bottom line by developing a BVD management plan with your herd health veterinarian.
Controlling BVD
BVD Tests
About 1 in 3 cattle farms in New Zealand are actively infected with BVD, but you may not know it since BVD can look just like many other diseases. Performing simple screening tests to check your herd for infected cattle can help you make more informed decisions about BVD management.
BVD Vaccines
It’s not always possible to completely prevent pregnant cattle in your herd from getting exposed to BVD when they are risk of creating new PI calves. Vaccinating your breeding herd for BVD using an effective commercial vaccine can provide you with extra insurance against future outbreaks.
BVD Control
Doing something to manage BVD is always better than doing nothing and it’s never been easier to break the BVD cycle. With the diagnostic tests and vaccineswe currently have available, infected herds can cost-effectively clear the virus in as little as two years to get healthier and more productive cattle.
Did you know……..
Once an animal has been individually tested and found to be negative for BVD virus, it can be certified as being non-PI for life and does not need to be tested again. This is because animals can only become PI if they were infected as a fetus between days 40 and 120 of the pregnancy. Find out more about the different testing options available in New Zealand.
Additional Resources
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions about BVD? Find answers to your frequently asked questions about controlling BVD in New Zealand beef and dairy herds.