Download Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)
IBR is a highly infectious and contagious disease caused by a herpes virus (BHV-1).The
respiratory form of the disease is spread by air and the genital form by mating. As with cold
sores in humans, once the animal has contracted the virus and recovered from the initial
symptoms, the virus lies dormant and the animal carries it for life. During periods of stress
where the animal’s immune system weakens such as around calving, the virus can shed
again meaning they are capable of infecting other non-immune animals on the farm.
Clinical signs
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conjunctivitis (reddening of the lining of the eye) and nasal discharge
high temperature and milk drop
rapid and shallow breathing
coughing
death only in 1% of cases (up to 10% in younger animals)
abortion
Treatment
Treatment of the disease is difficult because antibiotics unfortunately do not treat the virus
directly. Antibiotics do however, prevent against secondary infections caused by bacteria,
which are more likely due to the animals reduced immune system.
Non-steroidal anti-infammatory drugs such as Metacam are crucial to reduce inflammation
and high temperatures to improve appetite and recovery.
IBR herd status
For dairy herds with unknown IBR status which have had no previous vaccination, we can
test a bulk milk sample for IBR antibody levels. This simple test will allow you to get an
indication of previous exposure to the disease and whether you are likely to have any
animals that are capable of shedding the virus if immunocompromised.
For beef herds, the IBR status of the herd can be assessed by blood sampling 10 animals
for antibody levels.
Prevention
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keep a closed herd (this includes bull management)
check the health status of the herd you are buying from
blood test all bought in stock for antibodies (occasionally a carrier can be tested
negative)
 isolate bought in stock for a month
 Vaccination is available to prevent your herd against IBR and vaccination protocols
can be tailored to your farm. There are two types of vaccine available, a live vaccine
or killed vaccine. The vaccination course is as follows:
- A single dose for the live vaccine, or;
- Two doses for the killed vaccine
- Followed by 6 monthly or 12 monthly boosters depending on the vaccine used.
To find out more about the vaccination routine most suited to your herd, please speak to one
of our farm vets.