Bovine Viral Diarrhea Control Procedures

Minimum Protocol

  1. Implement an effective immunization program
    1. Vaccinate heifers initially with a modified-live BVD vaccine
    2. Booster in 2-4 weeks with a modified-live or killed BVD product
    3. Booster annually (MLV to open animals only), or semi-annually (killed).
    4. Depending on vaccination history, all purchased animals should be vaccinated against BVD at least once, and possibly twice.
    5. Store and handle all vaccines according to label recommendations
  2. If expanding, purchase replacements from a grower practicing good animal husbandry.
  3. Test all purchased animals for BVD persistent infection (PI) status.
  4. Cull any PI animal and its offspring.
  5. Prevent disease entry into the herd by
    1. Requiring clean boots, clothing, and equipment for people and employees entering the premises.
    2. Moving dead and down cows away from the facility prior to pickup.
    3. Moving animals with your own truck, or at least insisting on a clean truck moving only your animals.
    4. Purchasing semen from AI establishments with active BVD screening procedures.

Complete Protocol

  1. Implement an effective immunization program
    1. Vaccinate heifers initially with a modified-live BVD vaccine
    2. Booster in 2-4 weeks with a modified-live or killed BVD product
    3. Booster annually (MLV to open animals only), or semi-annually (killed).
    4. Depending on vaccination history, all purchased animals should be vaccinated against BVD at least once, and possibly twice.
    5. Store and handle all vaccines according to label recommendations
  2. Maintain a closed herd if possible.
  3. If expanding, purchase replacements from a local grower practicing good animal husbandry.
  4. Test all purchased animals for BVD persistent infection (PI) status.
  5. Test all replacements for BVD PI status either before colostrum feeding or at 3-4 months of age.
  6. Cull any PI animal and its offspring.
  7. Prevent disease entry into the herd by
    1. Isolating all animals entering the facility (replacements, bulls, and animals returning from shows or contractual raising) for two weeks.
    2. Requiring clean boots, clothing, and equipment for people and employees entering the premises.
    3. Moving dead and down cows away from the facility prior to pickup.
    4. Moving animals with your own truck, or at least insisting on a clean truck moving only your animals.
    5. Purchasing semen from AI establishments with active BVD screening procedures.