TVDML's BVD pooled PCR ear notch test helps root out source of infection

The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) offers a range of tests to detect the bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus. Two TVMDL Veterinary Diagnosticians are helping one Texas ranch detect the source of BVD using a newer test offering: Pooled PCR for BVD on ear notches.
Guy Sheppard, DVM, and Jessie Monday, DVM, MS, were in contact with a ranch in the South Plains ranch to help determine the source of BVD after calves were found to have the virus upon arrival at a feedlot.
“The veterinarian at the ranch called numerous times to discuss a strategy for quantifying the level of infection in the herd,” Sheppard said. “The new pooled PCR test for BVD at the TVMDL-Amarillo lab is perfect for this situation.”
TVMDL announced the BVD virus pooled ear notch test at the beginning of the year. Testing is performed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit approved by the USDA to identify persistently infected (PI) status.
On the ranch, all cattle were tested after the initial BVD cases were detected. No further infection was discovered in the adult cows, an indication that none of the cows were persistently infected. Sheppard and Monday, with help from the ranch veterinarian, have determined the virus entered as a transient infection while the infected calves were still in gestation.
Sheppard said both the ranch veterinarian and ranch manager were relieved the infection was not deeply seated in the herd. Additionally, Sheppard added, the ranch will likely start a BVD vaccination program to prevent future infections.
According to TVDML literature, the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is widespread in the cattle population and capable of causing serious illness. A wide range of symptoms may be observed and outcome of infection depends on many factors, such as immune status of the cow, pregnancy status and gestation of the fetus, and/or other ongoing infections, to name a few. Often, there are no outward signs that the animal is persistently infected with BVDV and many diseases can appear with BVDV as the root cause.
Working with a veterinarian, producers can determine the appropriate test for their animal based on symptoms. Once it is determined that cattle are infected with BVDV, it is best to consult a veterinarian for recommended disease management options.
For more information on the BVD Pooled Ear Notch PCR test, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu or call TVMDL’s Amarillo facility at 1.888.646.5624.
Source: TVDML