Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Question 1

BVDV can present in many ways, list some:

Answer 1

subclinical

acute (usually younger cows): fever, lethargy, diarrhea, oral erosions and ulcers, leukopenia

hemorrhagic syndrome: induces a thrombocytopenia

reproductive loss

Question 2

BVDV can cause congenital defects such as:

Answer 2

infected between days 100-150: Calfs can have hydrocephalus, cerebellar hypoplasia, brachygnathia, hypotrhochosis, etc

Question 3

how is a BVDV PI calf created.

Answer 3

when mother gets infected between day 40 and 125, the fetus is tolerant of the virus, and the calf sheds it constantly

Question 4

what is mucosal disease?

Answer 4

occurs only when a PI calf becomes infected with a cytopathogenic type of the virus OR the noncytopathogenic virus mutates to cytopathogenic. causing severe ulceration in the GI tract and peracute death

Question 5

how is BVDV diagnosed

Answer 5

antigen detection usually. can also do PCR or serology

Question 6

main ways to prevent BVDV

Answer 6

get rid of PI calves, and vaccinate (vaccinate replacement heifers and vaccinate before breeding season)