Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a respiratory disease of cattle caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). IBR is characterised by fever, anorexia, coughing, nasal discharge and severe rhinotracheitis. Disease outbreaks can result in severe production losses.

Consequences of IBR

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infection affects animal health and productivity causing significant economic losses to cattle producers. The most important economic consequences are due to the trade restriction for live cattle to other regions or countries within Europe which have already eradicated the disease.

BoHV-1 is found in many European countries. Countries free of BoHV-1 can impose restrictions on the import of cattle and cattle products, as the introduction of BoHV-1 into these countries can lead to major outbreaks of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.

In the EU directives have been made stipulating conditions for the import of cattle, semen and embryos.