Comparative serological response in calves to eight commercial vaccines against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza-3, bovine respiratory syncytial, and bovine viral diarrhea viruses

A field trial was conducted to compare the serological responses in calves to eight commercial vaccines against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and/or bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Calves given IBRV, P13V, BRSV, and BVDV vaccines had significantly higher antibodies to these viruses than unvaccinated controls; however, serological responses to killed BVDV vaccines were low. Calves with preexisting antibodies to IBRV, PI3V, BRSV, and the Singer strain of BVDV had lower seroconversion rates following vaccination than calves that were seronegative initially.

Serological responses in calves to IBRV, PI3V, BRSV, and BVDV differed among various commercial vaccines. Antibody titers to IBRV were higher in calves vaccinated with modified-live IBRV vaccines than in those vaccinated with killed IBRV vaccines. Following double vaccination with modified-live IBRV and PI3V vaccines, seroconversion rates and antibody titers to IBRV and PI3V were higher in calves vaccinated intramuscularly than in those vaccinated intranasally. Calves given Cattlemaster 4 had significantly higher titers to BRSV and PI3V, and lower titers to BVDV, than calves given Cattlemaster 3, suggesting that the addition of BRSV to Cattlemaster 4 caused some interaction among antigens.

     

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus control in Finland 1998-2004

The bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) situation among dairy herds and suckler-cow herds was monitored annually from 1998 to 2004. Bulk-tank milk (BTM) samples from all dairy herds and serum samples from beef animals at slaughter were examined for BVDV antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA test. New BTM antibody-positive herds and herds with a history of BTM antibodies, but previously untested were sampled individually and tested for evidence of BVDV. The reason for the antibody-positivity or the source of infection was investigated. The percentage of BTM antibody-positive herds ranged from 0.45% in 2000 to 0.15% in 2003. The number of herds with persistently infected (PI) animals ranged from 10 in 2001 to 0 in 2003. The most common cause for a herd to become BTM antibody-positive was the purchase of a seropositive animal or a PI animal or a dam carrying a PI fetus. The new BVD decree of 2004 will be described in brief.     

Establishing a pilot bovine viral diarrhoea virus eradication scheme in Somerset

Beginning in April 2006, 41 farms were recruited onto a pilot Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) eradication programme across the south of England with the majority of study herds concentrated in Somerset. Each herd was assessed and where relevant cleared of persistently infected (PI) animals. Seven farms dropped out before whole herd screening could be performed. Of the remaining 34 farms, 20 (59 per cent) were classified as infected although two of these were initially misclassified as BVDV-free. Over the course of three years, 61 PIs were identified across 16 of the 20 infected farms. 72 per cent of PIs indentified on the first herd test were below two years of age. PI prevalence ranged from 0.2 to 3.1 per cent of infected herds and was highest in herds that did not vaccinate. By the end of 2009, 24/34 (71 per cent) of study farms were BVDV-free while 10 (29 per cent) remained infected.     

Bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) control programme in an area in the Rome province (Italy)

A BVD control programme based on the identification and removal of persistently infected (PI) animals is being undertaken in an area in the Rome province, where BVD outbreaks had been previously detected. It involves 174 mainly dairy herds, from which blood samples of all bovines older than 1 year are obtained through the national brucellosis and leukosis eradication programme. Samples sufficient to detect the presence of seropositive animals at a prevalence of 5% or more are initially screened for antibodies against BVD virus (BVDV) using an immunoenzymatic assay. Upon identification of seroreagents additional blood samples are tested from the 6-12-month age category not included in the initial samples. Animals are considered immunotolerant if BVDV is demonstrated twice at a minimum 30-day interval. When no seropositive animals are detected during the first serological screening the herd is declared BVD-free if a second testing, preferably carried on the same animals previously tested, confirms the seronegative status of the herd. At present 147 farms have been tested, of which 63 (42.9%) are negative with respect to antibodies against BVDV. Of the 84 remaining herds in which one or more seropositives are detected, 13 are classified as recently infected. In eight of these recently infected herds, 22 PI animals have been identified.     

Prevalence and epidemiological features of bovine viral diarrhoea virus infection in Lithuania

The objectives of the present work were to estimate the level of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection in cattle herds at the different Lithuanian districts and to determine factors influencing the course of BVDV infection. The studies were explored in 147 intensive dairy cattle breeding herds from 27 different Lithuanian regions in 1997-2001. BVDV infection was diagnosed in all investigated regions. The existing variations in the structure of cattle population determined different distribution patterns of BVDV infection. The number of seropositive animals ranged from 11.9 to 100%. It must be pointed out that 29.9% of the herds were not infected with BVDV and in 32.7% of the herds from 70 to 100% of cattle were seropositive to BVDV. A positive correlation between the number of seropositive cattle, and the size of herds and age of animals was determined. Sex of animal had no influence on the prevalence of BVDV. It was estimated that the annual incidence risk of infection with BVDV decreases with the animal age.     

Age distribution of animals persistently infected with bovine virus diarrhea virus in twenty-two Danish dairy herds.

The objectives of this study were to compare the age distribution of animals persistently infected (PI) with bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) in 12 herds with clinical BVD compared to ten herds without clinical BVD and to examine the incidence of PI calves born after the oldest PI animal. Blood samples from all animals were tested for bovine virus diarrhea virus and antibodies. In five herds, blood samples were obtained from calves born after the whole herd had been tested. All calves born by PI dams were also blood tested. In herds with clinical BVD the median age of PI animals was 248 days and in herds without clinical BVD the median age was 144 days. There was no significant difference between the age of PI animals in herds with clinical BVD compared to herds without clinical BVD (p = 0.48) suggesting similar epidemiology of the occurrences of PI animals in the two herd categories. Thereafter, all herds were used to study the incidence of PI animals. A total of 129 PI animals were found. In ten herds with 72 PI animals the age range of PI animals was more than six months. In these herds 26.3% of the PI animals were born within the first two months after birth of the oldest PI animal, no PI animals were born 2- less than 6 months, 52.7% were born 6- less than 14 months, 6.9% were born 14- less than 22 months and 13.9% (all born by PI dams) were born later than 22 months after the oldest PI animal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Natural changes in the spread of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) among Estonian cattle

The results of a survey conducted during 1993-2000 to study the spread of bovine viral diarrhoeal virus (BVDV) among Estonian cattle are presented. The BVDV infection status of a representative random sample of cattle herds housing 20 or more dairy cows was established to estimate the prevalence of herds with active BVDV infection [potentially having persistently infected (PI) cattle--suspect PI herds]. The herds investigated comprised approximately 70% of all Estonian dairy cows. The BVDV infection status was established in 315-350 herds (making the sampling fraction about 20%) during three sampling periods: 1993-95, 1997-98, 1999-2000. BVDV antibodies were detected in herd bulk milk samples and/or sera from young stock by a liquid-phase-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed in the Danish Veterinary Institute for Virus Research. The results of the survey demonstrate the reduction in the prevalence of herds with active BVDV infection in the studied fraction of the Estonian cattle population. During the first sampling period (1993-95) a prevalence of 46% (+/- 5%) for suspect PI herds was observed, during the second sampling period this prevalence was 16% (+/- 3%) and in the third period it was 18% (+/- 3%). As there is no control programme for BVDV in Estonia, the observed changes reflect the natural course of the infection in the study population. A possible cause for these changes is the decreased trade in breeding animals as a result of the economic difficulties present in cattle farming during the study period. The farming practices (most large herds are managed as closed herds) and the low density of cattle farms have obviously facilitated the self-clearance of herds from the BVDV infection, diminishing the new introduction of infection into the herds.     

Prevalence and geographic distribution of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) infection in Finland 1993-1997

Bulk milk samples from every herd supplying milk to dairies in Finland were examined for the presence of antibodies to BVD virus (BVDV) annually during 1993-1997. The highest prevalence, 0.99% in 1994, declined to 0.37% in 1996; however, this favourable trend appeared to discontinue in 1997, where the prevalence remained at 0.41%. In 1993, sera of all individual animals from bulk milk antibody-positive herds were examined for the presence of these antibodies. Since 1994, only sera of animals from herds with a bulk milk absorbance reading greater than 0.250 in the EIA test were examined individually. Three geographic foci of BVDV antibody-positive dairy herds were resolved in 1994, one in the north-western, another in the eastern and a diffuse third in the southern part of Finland. A distinct limiting of the spread was apparent in 1997. Beef cattle were also studied during 1993-1997; in 1993 breeding units, in 1994 mainly beef suckler herds and in 1995-1997 serum samples of beef animals at slaughter were examined for the presence of antibodies to BVDV. The prevalence of seropositive herds in 1993 and 1994 was 30.2% and 3.2%, respectively, while the prevalence among slaughter animals ranged 0.8-1.6%. Seronegative animals in herds with > 50% of seropositive animals were examined for the presence of BVD-virus. A total of 40 dairy herds and two beef herds with viraemic (persistently infected, PI) animals was encountered during 1993-1997. A comprehensive control programme and a more specific, cooperatively funded eradication programme for dairy cattle were launched in 1994. These programmes most probably contributed to the decline in prevalence during 1994-1996.     

Laboratory diagnostic investigations for bovine viral diarrhoea virus infections in cattle

There are no pathognomonic clinical signs of infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in cattle. Diagnostic investigations therefore rely on laboratory-based detection of the virus, or of virus-induced antigens or antibodies in submitted samples. In unvaccinated dairy herds, serological testing of bulk milk is a convenient method for BVDV prevalence screening. Alternatively, serological testing of young stock may indicate if BVDV is present in a herd. In BVDV positive herds, animals persistently infected (PI) with BVDV can be identified by combined use of serological and virological tests for examination of blood samples. ELISAs have been used for rapid detection of both BVDV antibodies and antigens in blood, but should preferably be backed up by other methods such as virus neutralization, virus isolation in cell cultures or amplification of viral nucleic acid. Detailed knowledge of the performance of the diagnostic tests in use, as well as of the epidemiology of bovine virus diarrhoea is essential for identification of viremic animals in affected herds.     

Serologic evaluation of five unvaccinated heifers to detect herds that have cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serologic evaluation of 5 unvaccinated 6- to 12-month-old heifers is a valid method for identifying herds that contain cattle persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). ANIMALS: 14 dairy herds with a history of BVDV infection, with health problems consistent with BVDV infection, or at risk for contracting BVDV infection. PROCEDURE: 5 unvaccinated 6- to 12-month-old heifers were randomly selected from each herd. Neutralizing antibody titers for type-I and -II BVDV were determined. A herd was classified as likely to contain PI cattle when at least 3/5 heifers had antibody titers > or = 128. Virus isolation was performed on all cattle to identify PI cattle. Genotype of isolated viruses was determined by nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: 6 of 14 herds contained PI cattle. Sensitivity and specificity of serologic evaluation of 5 heifers for identifying these herds were 66 and 100%, respectively. In herds that contained PI cattle, the predominant BVDV titer in the tested heifers corresponded to the genotype of the isolated virus. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serologic evaluation of unvaccinated 6- to 12- month-old heifers is an accurate method for identifying herds containing PI cattle. Both type-I and -II BVDV antibody titers should be determined to prevent herd misclassification. The genotype of BVDV found in PI cattle can be predicted by the predominant neutralizing antibody titers found in tested heifers. Serologic evaluation of 5 unvaccinated heifers can be used to determine whether a herd is likely to contain PI cattle.     

A stochastic model to assess the risk of introduction of bovine viral diarrhea virus to beef cow-calf herds

A spreadsheet model using Monte Carlo simulation was designed to evaluate the introduction of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) to cow-calf farms and the effect of different testing strategies. Risks were modeled to include imports to the cow-calf herd and stocker calves imported to adjacent pastures. The number of persistently infected (PI) animals imported and the probability of BVDV introduction were monitored for three herd sizes, four import profiles, and six testing strategies. Importing stockers and importing pregnant heifers were the biggest risks for introduction of BVDV. Testing for PI animals in stockers decreased the risk they posed, but testing pregnant heifers was not sufficient to decrease risk unless their calves were also tested. Test sensitivity was more influential than PI prevalence on the likelihood of BVDV introduction, when all imports were tested. This model predicts the risk of BVDV introduction for individual herds based on management decisions, and should prove to be a useful tool to help cow-calf producers in controlling the risk of importing BVDV to a na?ve herd.     

Prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in persistently infected cattle and BVDV subtypes in affected cattle in beef herds in south central United States

The prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in persistently infected (PI) cattle in beef breeding herds was determined using 30 herds with 4530 calves. The samples were collected by ear notches and tested for BVDV antigens using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACE). Animals with initial positives on both IHC and ACE were sampled again using both tests and serums were collected for viral propagation and sequencing of a viral genomic region, 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) for viral subtyping. Samples were also collected from the dams of PI calves. There were 25 PI calves from 4530 samples (0.55%) and these PI calves were from 5 of the 30 herds (16.7%). Two herds had multiple PI calves and 3 herds had only 1 PI calf. Only 1 of the 25 dams with a PI calf was also PI (4.0%). The subtype of all the PI isolates was BVDV1b. Histories of the ranches indicated 23 out of 30 had herd additions of untested breeding females. Twenty-four of the 30 herds had adult cowherd vaccinations against BVDV, primarily using killed BVDV vaccines at pregnancy examination.     

Prevalence and risk factors associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in dairy herds in Jordan

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and to identify risk factors associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in 62 non-vaccinated dairy herds (671 cows) in Jordan between January and June 2007. Information regarding herd management was recorded through a personal interview with farmers. Antibodies against BVDV were detected using an indirect ELISA test. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors for BVDV seropositivity. The true prevalence of antibodies against BVDV in individual cows and cattle herds was 31.6% and 80.7%, respectively. The seroprevalence of BVDV in medium and large size herds was significantly higher than that in smaller herds. There was no significant difference in BVD seroprevalence between different age groups. Random-effects logistic regression model revealed two major factors associated with seropositivity to BVDV; exchange of visits between adjacent farm workers and not isolating newly purchased animals before addition to the herd. The seroprevalence of BVDV in cows located in the northern Jordanian governorates was significantly higher than that in other studied governorates. Results of this study indicated that BVDV is highly prevalent in Jordan and BVDV infection could be controlled by livestock-trade control, and applying strict biosecurity measures in the dairy farms.     

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus in beef cattle herds of Yucatan, Mexico: seroprevalence and risk factors

A survey of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection was carried out from June 2001 to July 2002 in a non-vaccinated beef cattle population from the livestock region of Yucatan, Mexico, to assess seroprevalence and identify risk factors related to seroprevalence. The aim was also to estimate the intra-herd correlation (r_e) and design effect (D) of BVDV seropositivity. Cattle were selected by a two-stage cluster sampling. Blood samples were collected from 560 animals originating from 40 herds. Sera were tested for antibodies against BVDV using an indirect ELISA test. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was 97.9 and 99.7%, respectively. Risk factors regarding the herd and each animal sampled were recorded through a personal interview at the time of blood sampling. Twenty-four of the 40 herds had at least one seropositive animal. The animal true seroprevalence was estimated as 14%. The marginal logistic regression model used to describe the data found a significant (p < 0.05) association of herd size–cow-origin interaction. The interaction was due to a higher risk of seropositivity in the category of herds with ≤100 animals and purchased cows (OR = 1) as compared to herds with ≤100 animals and cows born in the farm (OR = 0.23). Seropositivity between cows purchased and cows born in the farm was similar for herd sizes of 101–196 and >196 animals. The r_e and D values were 0.17 ± 0.05 and 3.16 ± 0.57, respectively.     

Transmission of bovine viral diarrhoea virus by unhygienic vaccination procedures,ambient air,and from contaminated pens

Knowing how bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection spreads via indirect contacts is required in order to plan large-scale eradication schemes against BVDV. In this study, susceptible calves were exposed to BVDV by an unhygienic vaccination procedure, by ambient air and from contaminated pens. Primary BVDV infection was observed in two calves vaccinated with a vaccine against Trichophyton spp that had been contaminated by smearing nasal secretion from a persistently infected (PI) calf on the rubber membrane and penetrating it twice with a hypodermic needle. Four other calves, housed in pairs in two separate housing units near a PI calf for one week--at distances of 1.5 and 10 m, respectively--became infected without having direct contact with the PI calf. Furthermore, two of the three calves housed in a pen directly after removal of a PI calf, but without the pen being cleaned and disinfected, also contracted primary BVDV infection, whereas two calves that entered such a pen four days after removal of another PI calf, did not. In herds where most animals are seronegative to BVDV, indirect airborne transmission of BVDV or contact with a contaminated housing interior may be an important factor in spreading of the virus, once a PI animal is present. However, the spreading of BVDV within herds can be stopped by identifying and removing PI animals and also by ensuring that susceptible breeding animals do not become infected during this procedure. In contrast, injectables contaminated with BVDV may prove to be a significant vector for spreading the infection, not only within an infected herd but, most importantly, also between herds. In our opinion, it is questionable whether medicine bottles, once opened and used within an infected herd, should be used in other herds. In any case, prior knowledge of a herd's BVDV status will help practising veterinarians and technicians to undertake appropriate hygienic measures.     

Economic risk analysis model for bovine viral diarrhea virus biosecurity in cow-calf herds

A stochastic model was designed to calculate the cost-effectiveness of biosecurity strategies for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in cow-calf herds. Possible sources of BVDV introduction considered were imported animals, including the calves of pregnant imports, and fenceline contact with infected herds, including stocker cattle raised in adjacent pastures. Spread of BVDV through the herd was modeled with a stochastic SIR model. Financial consequences of BVDV, including lost income, treatment costs, and the cost of biosecurity strategies, were calculated for 10 years, based on the risks of a herd with a user-defined import profile. Results indicate that importing pregnant animals and stockers increased the financial risk of BVDV. Strategic testing in combination with vaccination most decreased the risk of high-cost outbreaks in most herds. The choice of a biosecurity strategy was specific to the risks of a particular herd.     

Dynamics of virus infections involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex in Swedish dairy herds

The dynamics of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV-3), bovine corona virus (BCoV) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infections were studied in 118 dairy herds in south western Sweden. By using serology on paired samples from three approximately 7 vs. approximately 15-month-old calves per herd, the propagation of infections was investigated over about a 1-year period. The results implied that at least 74% of calves had experienced one or more of the monitored infections at the age of approximately 7 months (Sample 1, Spring); 30%, 48%, 34% and 8% were seropositive to BRSV, PIV-3, BCoV and BVDV, respectively. Seroconversions to BRSV, PIV-3, BCoV and BVDV occurred in 26%, 38%, 50% and 3% of seronegative animals and 63% had antibodies against two or more infections at approximately 15 months (Sample 2). In total, 90-97% of animals that were seropositive in Sample 1 remained positive in Sample 2. A significant association was found between BVDV and BCoV (P = 0.01). Moreover, a significantly higher proportion of herds in which no calves had a recorded history of respiratory disease (n = 15) were classified as negative to all four infections monitored when compared to herds in which disease was observed (P = 0.0002). This study showed a high infection burden in young animals and effective spread of BRSV, PIV-3 and BCoV in one area of Sweden. BVDV infections were restricted to a few herds, reflecting the effect of a voluntary control program against BVDV in Sweden.     

Influence of herd structure and type of virus introduction on the spread of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) within a dairy herd

A herd is a population structured into groups not all equally in contact, which may influence within-herd spread of pathogens. Herd structure varies among cattle herds. However, published models of the spread of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) assume no herd structure or a unique structure chosen as a representative. Our objective was to identify--for different index cases introduced into an initially BVDV--free dairy herd - risky (favourable) herd structures, which increased (decreased) BVDV spread and persistence compared to a reference structure. Classically, dairy herds are divided into calves, young heifers, bred heifers, lactating cows and dry cows. In the reference scenario, groups are all equally in contact. We evaluated the effect of isolating or merging groups. Three index cases were tested: an open persistently-infected (PI) heifer, an open transiently-infected heifer, an immune heifer carrying a PI foetus. Merging all groups and merging calves and lactating cows were risky scenarios. Isolating each group, isolating lactating cows from other groups, and merging calves and young heifers were favourable scenarios. In most structures, the most risky index cases were the following: first, the entry of a PI heifer; second, the birth of a PI calf; last, the entry of a transiently-infected heifer. Recommendations for dairy herds are to raise young animals together before breeding and to isolate lactating cows from others as much as possible. These recommendations will be less efficient if a PI adult enters into the herd.