Bovine Virus Diarrhea Mucosal Disease (BVD-MD) is a viral infectious disease that affects cattle, primarily targeting the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. It is caused by the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), a RNA virus belonging to the Pestivirus genus, which is a member of the Flaviviridae family.
The disease can manifest in two forms: BVDV acute infection and BVD-MD. BVD-MD occurs when calves are infected with the virus during the first months of gestation. The disease leads to a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, decreased appetite, ulcerations in the mouth and intestines, respiratory distress, and a weakened immune system. Such symptoms compromise the overall health and growth potential of affected cattle.
BVD-MD can have severe economic consequences for the livestock industry due to increased morbidity and mortality rates, reduced fertility, and poor weight gain, as well as associated costs for diagnosis, treatment, and control measures. The disease spreads through direct contact, respiratory secretions, feces, and contaminated fomites or equipment. Persistently Infected (PI) animals play a vital role in spreading the virus, as they continue shedding it for the duration of their lives.
Control measures for BVD-MD involve vaccination protocols, biosecurity practices, and strict management of PI animals. Isolation and culling of PI individuals are essential to prevent further transmission. Early and accurate diagnosis, using virological and serological tests, allows for effective control and prevention strategies to minimize the impact of BVD-MD on cattle populations.
