Applied Microbiology: Open Access
Open Access

Bovine Viral Diarrhea

BVD is a common cause of respiratory and reproductive issues in the herd. It is a economically important disease in many countries, and problems realted to the disease are thought to be increasing in some areas. Although a disease in itself, BVD causes a number of transient infections which are often the cause of animal health and economic problems. Bovine viral diarrhea is a viral disease of cattle and other ruminants that is caused by the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). BVD is transmitted in a number of ways. Either through a congenital infection of the fetus or after birth. Congenital infections may cause resorption, abortion, stillbirth, or live-birth. Congenitally infected fetuses that survive in utero infection (i.e., the live-births) may be born as BVDV-infected calves. The BVDV infection in these calves will persist during the entire life of the calf, and they will shed BVDV continuously in the farm environment.In adults, clinical signs are highly variable. Signs of acute infection include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, ocular dishcharge, nasal dischargem oral lesions, diarrhea and decreasing milk production. Chronic infection may lead to signs of mucosal disease