Cattle IBR Vaccination and Respiratory Welfare

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 is a significant respiratory and reproductive pathogen in cattle worldwide. Vaccination programmes reduce disease burden, welfare harm, and economic losses while supporting eradication objectives in some countries.

Key Facts

BHV-1 causes acute respiratory disease, conjunctivitis, genital tract disease, and abortion in unvaccinated cattle
The virus establishes latency in trigeminal ganglia and is reactivated by stress — making transport and mixing events particularly high-risk periods
Several European countries including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria, and Switzerland have achieved BHV-1-free status through test-and-slaughter eradication programmes
Marker vaccines using gene-deleted strains allow serological differentiation between vaccinated and naturally infected cattle, supporting eradication programmes
Intranasal vaccine administration provides faster mucosal immunity than intramuscular injection and is preferred in high-risk periods around transport

Welfare Considerations

Cattle with acute IBR experience painful ocular and nasal discharge, high fever, dyspnoea, and in pregnant animals, abortion of near-term calves. Secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia frequently complicates primary BHV-1 infection, adding further welfare burden. Vaccination before high-risk events — weaning, purchase, transport, autumn housing — reduces both individual disease risk and herd-level transmission. Countries pursuing eradication objectives eliminate the disease welfare burden entirely from national populations. Welfare-centred herd management includes routine BHV-1 vaccination, biosecurity around purchased cattle, and participation in national eradication schemes where available.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cattle against BHV-1 before high-risk events including weaning, transport, and housing using protocols recommended by your vet
Participate in national BHV-1 eradication or control schemes if available in your country to support population-level disease elimination
Test purchased cattle for BHV-1 status before mixing with the resident herd to prevent introduction of latently infected animals
Report outbreaks of respiratory disease with abortion to your vet promptly — BHV-1 is a notifiable disease in eradication countries
Ask your vet about marker vaccine options that allow differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals to support eradication objectives