How Do You Spell BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHEA VIRUSES?
Pronunciation: [bˈə͡ʊva͡ɪn vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l dˌa͡ɪəɹˈi͡ə vˈa͡ɪɹəsɪz] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [bˈə͡ʊva͡ɪn vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l dˌa͡ɪəɹˈi͡ə vˈa͡ɪɹəsɪz] (IPA)
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Viruses (BVDV) refer to a group of viruses that primarily affect cattle, causing significant economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. BVDV belongs to the Pestivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family, which also includes other important animal pathogens like Classical Swine Fever Virus and Border Disease Virus.
BVDV is characterized by its ability to cause various clinical manifestations, including diarrhea, respiratory distress, reproductive disorders, and immune suppression in affected cattle. The virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or exposure to contaminated body fluids, such as saliva, nasal secretions, urine, and feces. It can also be transmitted vertically from an infected dam to her fetus during pregnancy.
There are two biotypes or species of BVDV: BVDV-1 and BVDV-2. Both types display high genetic and antigenic variability, leading to diversity in clinical outcomes. Infections with BVDV-1 usually result in mild clinical signs, whereas BVDV-2 infections can lead to severe disease, including hemorrhagic syndrome.
The economic impact of BVDV is substantial due to decreased productivity, reproductive failures, compromised immune systems, and reduced growth rates in infected animals. Furthermore, BVDV infections can facilitate the entry and establishment of other pathogens in cattle herds, exacerbating disease outcomes.
Prevention and control measures for BVDV involve a combination of strategies, including vaccination programs, biosecurity measures, diagnostic testing, isolation of affected animals, and herd management practices. Eradication programs have also been implemented in some regions to minimize the prevalence and impact of BVDV on cattle populations.
