Bovine Viral Diarrhea and Persistently Infected Cattle Welfare

Bovine viral diarrhea is one of the most economically significant cattle diseases and a major welfare problem, with persistently infected animals suffering chronic immune suppression throughout their lives.

Key Facts

BVD affects cattle globally and is estimated to cost the US cattle industry over billion annually
Persistently infected (PI) cattle are infected in utero and continuously shed virus throughout their lives
PI cattle have severely compromised immune systems causing chronic susceptibility to disease
Testing and removal of PI animals from herds is the most effective control and welfare strategy
Vaccination protects naive cows from fetal infection that creates PI calves

Welfare Considerations

BVD persistently infected cattle welfare is severe and lifelong. PI animals are born infected and face a lifetime of immune dysfunction, chronic susceptibility to every pathogen in their environment, and shortened, suffering-marked lives. Their presence amplifies disease in herds, creating additional welfare harm to herd mates. The welfare case for PI testing and removal is strong: identifying and humanely euthanizing PI animals prevents prolonged individual suffering while protecting herd welfare. Vaccination programs that prevent fetal infection eliminate the creation of new PI animals — a preventive welfare intervention with both individual and population welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Implement BVD testing programs to identify and remove PI animals from your herd
Advocate for BVD vaccination as a standard welfare and production practice
Support genetic testing programs that identify and select against BVD susceptibility
Learn about BVD as a welfare and production issue in cattle management