Vaccines against infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus/mucosal disease (BVDV/MD): a short overview

Various vaccine preparations against an infection with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) have been used since more than 30 years. To prevent reproduction failure and the generation of persistently infected animals, protection of heifers and cows against transplacental infection is the most important aim of BVDV vaccination. In principal, BVD vaccines with replication competent, attenuated BVDV (modified live vaccines) and vaccines with inactivated BVDV preparations (killed vaccines) are used. In Germany, modified live vaccines as well as killed vaccines are registered, however, only BVDV type I strains are included in both types of vaccines. This paper presents an short overview about the different BVD vaccines and their efficacy and safety. In addition, new vaccine types are mentioned and final conclusions are drawn.