Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)

BVDV is an economically significant pestivirus affecting cattle worldwide. It causes a wide range of clinical outcomes, including:

• Immunosuppression, increasing susceptibility to secondary infections
• Reproductive failure, abortions, or birth of persistently infected (PI) calves
• Mucosal disease in PI animals, which is invariably fatal

There are two main genotypes: BVDV-1 and BVDV-2. Both can be detected using qPCR.

qPCR testing allows:

• Direct detection of viral RNA in blood, serum, tissue (e.g., ear notch), or bulk tank milk
• Rapid identification of transiently infected or PI animals
• Use in screening programs, outbreak investigation, and monitoring post-vaccination status

This test is essential for BVD eradication schemes, improving herd health and reducing reproductive losses. Early removal of PI animals is critical to breaking the transmission cycle.