Bovine viral dilemma

Among the most insidious pathogens affecting cattle, the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDv) stands out. Clinical signs and effects of the disease can vary widely, and while its name includes the word “diarrhea,” the most damaging effects include abortions in cow-calf herds and the role of BVDv in the bovine respiratory disease complex in stocker and feeder cattle. At the heart of the issue, persistently infected (PI) cattle represent a critical control point and a significant ethical and financial challenge for producers. But is it worth the effort to test and remove PI animals if their incidence is low? Signs point to yes. –Drovers CattleNetwork Read more…