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animal health |
Animal HealthIBRWhy you need to start protecting your herd now! IBR – affects productivity and profitability in many ways What is IBR? Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a common cause of respiratory disease in both young stock and adult cattle in the UK. IBR is caused by a virus – Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (BHV1). IBR is highly contagious and can quickly spread through a group of calves – it can spread by direct contact, infected semen, by airborne spread and other indirect methods. BHV1 principally affects the upper respiratory tract and can lead to fatal pneumonia. The secretions of affected calves are extremely infectious and appear to be highly attractive to other animals. All ages of animals are potentially at risk. Once an animal has become infected, it remains infected for life, despite the development of an effective immune response. These animals can shed virus at any time when stressed and as a result, movement of animals into a herd is often a source of new infections. While older animals can suffer from ‘classical IBR’, that often develops after re-stocking, it is often more signifi cant in young stock as part of the calf pneumonia complex. IBR reduces immunity so secondary bacterial infections and death can occur with some virulent strains. Herd problems caused by IBR Respiratory Disease Why should I act now against IBR? While the BSE outbreak has prevented export of live cattle from the U.K., countries can also restrict the free movement of animals depending on BHV1 status. Therefore when the BSE restrictions are lifted, IBR (BHV1) will become important. This is because many countries in Europe have moved forward with BHV1 disease eradication programmes. While live cattle exports are currently prohibited it is possible to export semen taken from bulls in the UK. The production of semen is governed by EU rules affecting bulls on approved EU bull studs and mean that these animals must have no antibodies to BHV1, i.e. following infection with BHV1 or following use of any IBR vaccine (conventional or marker vaccine). If steps are not taken to eradicate IBR from their herds, U.K. pedigree breeders will fi nd opportunities for export will become increasingly limited even when the export ban is lifted. Furthermore, as breed societies increasingly address this issue, IBR-free classes /sales for domestic trade in pedigree cattle are likely to grow – so limiting commercial opportunities for pedigree breeders even if they do not intend to export live animals. What are the advantages of eradicating IBR? If you do act now, you can benefit from a variety of health and productivity benefits. You will also be in a favourable position when the export market reopens, as you will be able to achieve early herd certifi cation and improve the value of your stock. It makes sense to act now. Have you got IBR on your farm? IBR may be more common than you think. A study was recently carried out by Pfi zer and the Leeds Veterinary Laboratory during the 2000-2003 winter period. Blood samples were taken from calves ( > 4 months old) who had experienced a pneumonia outbreak. The survey showed that IBR was found in 17-32% of the calves. A widespread survey of UK dairy herds, published in 1998(1) showed that around 69% of the herds surveyed had evidence of BHV1 infection. There are some simple tests your Veterinary Surgeon can carry out to establish if your cattle are BHV1-positive. What do I need to do if my cattle have IBR? After the current levels of IBR in your herd are established and monitored, a risk assessment and biosecurity programme need to be developed. Then an appropriate vaccination programme needs to be introduced. Your Veterinary Surgeon can help you with the development of the right programme for your situation. |
latest newsBalmoral Show Springhill Golden Girl, bred and exhibited by James Martin took the Supreme Championship at Balmoral Show. [results] Border Club Sale Intermediate Male Champion Secures Top Price of 20,000gns at the Border Club Spring Show & Sale. [report] Ballymena Sale The inaugural Society Sale held at Ballymena on Friday 12th April topped at 3,700gns. [report] Chelford Sale The sale at Chelford on Saturday 2nd March topped at 7,000gns. [report]
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