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