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BVD
LIC is at the forefront of BVD research in New Zealand. Our research veterinarians and laboratory staff have published a number of articles on the impacts of BVD in New Zealand dairy herds.
Case studies
Click on the case studies below to find out more about BVD and its impact on dairy herds.
| What's so bad about BVD? |
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It’s highly infectious
- BVD spreads very easily through nasal discharges, faeces, urine, milk and semen.
In pregnant cows
- In pregnant cows BVD can result in higher empty rates, abortions, mummified foetuses, and stillborn calves. These cows can also give birth to a calf that is persistently infected (PI) with BVD.
Persistent infections
- Calves can be born with a persistent BVD infection, which means they can never get rid of the disease. These calves spread BVD for their entire lives. Most persistently infected calves die within the first two years.
- Persistently infected (PI) animals that survive in the herd have lower growth rates and lower milk production (see graphs)
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| What should farmers do? |
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In all instances, veterinarian advice should be sought. BVD is a complex disease and there is no simple solution that fits all farming situations. However, precautions can be taken by testing animals entering the herd or farm.
Test bulls
- Testing bulls will stop BVD bulls from infecting cows and reduce the possibility of abortions and other reproductive complications. Recommend test and vaccination of bulls.
Test calves
- Testing calves will help identify the persistently infected calves, which can be terminated. This will save money by not rearing a calf that has a short life expectancy and reduce the spread of the disease among other calves.
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