Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis: Vaccination and Control in Cattle Herds

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 is a major respiratory and reproductive pathogen of cattle. National eradication programmes in several countries demonstrate that control is achievable.

Key Facts

IBR is caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and causes respiratory disease, conjunctivitis, reproductive failure (infectious pustular vulvovaginitis/balanoposthitis), and abortion
Like all herpesviruses, BoHV-1 establishes lifelong latency in trigeminal ganglia after primary infection — latently infected cattle can reactivate and shed virus during stress events including transport, calving, and immunosuppression
IBR is a major component of the bovine respiratory disease complex and contributes to the pneumonia burden in cattle, particularly following transport or commingling stress
Several European countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and Sweden have eradicated IBR through national test-and-cull or test-and-vaccination programmes
Marker vaccines containing gene-deleted BoHV-1 strains allow vaccinated animals to be differentiated serologically from naturally infected animals, enabling both control and test-and-cull eradication strategies
UK government and industry have developed an IBR voluntary eradication scheme (VES) to work toward national IBR-free status, with accreditation available through the CHECS scheme
Economic losses from IBR include direct mortality, reduced growth rates, reproductive failure causing increased days to conception, and abortion storms in naive herds

Welfare Considerations

IBR causes significant welfare harm across multiple body systems. Acute respiratory IBR causes fever, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and laboured breathing; severe cases develop fatal secondary bacterial pneumonia. Reproductive IBR causes painful vulvovaginal or preputial ulceration. Abortion storms from IBR can devastate herd reproductive success and represent the loss of near-term foetuses that may be capable of suffering. Latently infected cattle face repeated reactivation events during stressful periods — meaning the welfare cost of infection is not limited to the initial acute phase but recurs throughout the animal's life. Vaccination reduces the severity of clinical disease and eradication programmes eliminate the pathogen from herds entirely, removing the ongoing welfare burden.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate cattle herds against IBR using marker vaccines in line with veterinary guidance and national control scheme requirements
Participate in national or regional IBR eradication schemes if available in your country to work toward herd accreditation
Test purchased cattle for IBR status and isolate incoming animals before introducing them to the main herd
Work with your vet to develop a herd IBR biosecurity plan including vaccination protocols, testing frequency, and movement policies
Reduce stress triggers for IBR reactivation by improving transport management, minimising commingling, and maintaining good body condition at calving
Support government and industry investment in national IBR eradication programmes that offer long-term animal health and welfare benefits
Advocate for reciprocal recognition of IBR-free status across national borders to enable movement of accredited cattle without unnecessary testing