Prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea antibodies in 256 US cow-calf operations: A survey

Outbreaks of acute bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) characterized by high morbidity and mortality in cattle of all ages have been reported ih eastern Canada and several areas in the United States. Because of the severity of the outbreaks the US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Veterinary Services (USDA:APHIS:VS), with the cooperation of several other agencies, institutions and individuals has taken several steps to monitor the disease and compile and disseminate information regarding BVD to all concerned parties. Toward that end an analysis was made of the vaccination practices and of the prevalence of BVD antibodies in US beef cow calf operations. The results of the analysis of data obtained from the Cow-calf Health and Productivity Audit (CHAPA) suggest that more than 90% of US beef cow/calf operations and more than 68% of animals have been exposed to BVD virus either through vaccination or natural exposure. Those herds and animals that have not been previously exposed may be at high risk should a virulent strain of BVD be introduced.