IBR (Bovine Herpesvirus 1) causes respiratory disease, reproductive failure, and immune suppression in cattle. Welfare-focused control requires vaccination and biosecurity.
IBR causes multisystem disease with significant welfare implications. The respiratory form is painful and distressing — cattle show open-mouth breathing, severe pyrexia, and profound inappetence. Corneal ulceration causes acute pain and can result in permanent scarring. The genital form causes painful lesions that affect normal behavior and reproduction.
The immunosuppressive nature of BoHV-1 compounds welfare impact by facilitating secondary infections. IBR-affected cattle are significantly more susceptible to bovine respiratory disease complex, extending the duration of illness and welfare burden. Early antiviral treatment where available, and anti-inflammatory support, reduce welfare impact during acute disease.
Vaccination is highly effective for IBR control and is the cornerstone of welfare protection. Marker vaccines allow differentiation of vaccinated from naturally infected animals. Several countries have achieved national eradication through systematic vaccination and testing programs, demonstrating the feasibility of eliminating this welfare burden entirely.