Bovine Viral Diarrhea: Control and Cattle Welfare

BVD is a viral disease causing reproductive failure, immunosuppression, and death in cattle. Eradication programs dramatically improve herd welfare and productivity.

Key Facts

BVD causes annual losses of around 40 million pounds in the UK beef and dairy sectors
Persistently infected PI cattle shed massive quantities of virus throughout their lives
PI animals result from fetal infection in the first 120 days of pregnancy
BVD suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to other infections
Scotland declared BVD eradicated in 2023 following a decade-long program

Welfare Considerations

BVD creates widespread hidden suffering in cattle herds. PI animals are chronically immunosuppressed - susceptible to every pathogen they encounter - and typically die young after a difficult life. Non-PI calves born to infected cows suffer reproductive failure, birth defects, and immune compromise. Eradication programs that test for and remove PI animals break this cycle, dramatically improving welfare across entire herds and communities. Scotland's successful eradication demonstrates what is achievable with coordinated effort.

What You Can Do

Test your herd for BVD PI animals if not already screened
Vaccinate against BVD during high-risk periods including pre-breeding
Join your national BVD eradication scheme if available
Purchase cattle only with BVD-negative test results
Advocate for national mandatory BVD eradication programs