Epidemiology of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD)

The bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is endemic in most European cattle populations. BVD-1 is the predominant genotype in Europe.

The prevalence of BVDV varies between different regions depending on factors like herd management, inter-herd contacts between animals, and BVDV control measures. BVDV-1 is the predominant genotype in most populations.

Transmission of BVD in a herd

Persistently infected animals are the main source of BVDV within a herd as they continuously shed virus. Infection of susceptible in-contact animals takes place via the oro-nasal route. Transmission of the virus can also take place from an acutely infected animal, via semen and indirectly via the use of contaminated needles, these mechanisms are far less efficient than transmission from PI animals.

Importance of different sources of BVDV infection in a herd.