Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV)

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV)

BRSV is a highly contagious paramyxovirus and a major contributor to the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), particularly in young calves and housed cattle during autumn and winter.

Clinical signs include:

• Fever, coughing, nasal discharge
• Increased respiratory effort or open-mouth breathing
• Sudden onset respiratory distress in groups of calves

BRSV often acts synergistically with other pathogens such as Pasteurella multocida , Mannheimia haemolytica , or IBR , worsening the clinical outcome.

qPCR testing from nasopharyngeal swabs, deep nasal swabs, or lung tissue(post-mortem) allows:

• Rapid and highly sensitive detection of viral RNA
• Differentiation from other viral or bacterial agents
• Informed treatment and vaccination strategies in outbreaks

Early diagnosis supports timely intervention, reducing morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in affected herds.