Submitted to: Hoard's Dairyman
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/19/2016
Publication Date: 2/10/2017
Citation: Ridpath, J.F., Miller, B. 2017. BVD: A disease with many faces. Hoard's Dairyman. 2(10):1-3.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This is a review, written for a lay publication whose core audience in dairy producers. A brief history of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) research is given as well as a review of recent research discoveries. National efforts to reduce antibiotic use have led to a greater emphasis on disease prevention rather than treatment of disease. Regardless of the severity of a clinical disease episode, BVD results in major damage to the immune system which reduces the ability of cattle to fight off secondary infections or respond to vaccines. Control of BVD in any dairy operation must rely on the implementation of an organized strategy combining biosecurity, surveillance and increased herd resistance.A second article in this series will discuss biosecurity protocols, surveillance programs and vaccination strategies to reduce the impact of this costly disease.