Download Don`t overlook health management of replacements

Don’t overlook health management of replacements
IBR (Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis) is commonly regarded as an endemic disease in
the UK cattle population, although incidence levels and outbreaks are affected by
geography and herd management. Losses associated with the disease can range from
cattle failing to fulfill their potential, to mortality brought about by acute outbreaks.
IBR is caused by Bovine Herpes Virus-1. It is a very contagious virus which is spread
rapidly if introduced into a group of cattle with no immunity. All ages of stock can be
affected, however the disease is most common in growing cattle over six months of age,
and in adults.
Once infected, IBR animals are carriers of the virus for life. Stressful situations such as
transport, overcrowding or calving can all reactivate the IBR virus in carriers. While there
is a broad spectrum of symptoms in young and adult stock (ranging from mild to severe
and sometimes fatal), respiratory problems and milk drop are those most commonly
seen.
Signs typically are:

Fever

Milk drop

Discharges from the nose and eyes

Cough

Increased breathing rate

Death (in acute cases)

Abortion (at 6-8 months of pregnancy)
Although the disease is often associated with adult milking cows, IBR control in
replacements is where prevention of the disease should begin. Knowing the status of
the milking herd is relatively straightforward, with subsidised screening in the form of
Intervet’s DairyCheck scheme. Establishing the state of replacements is hard, so
assume that they are naïve and work with your vet to develop the best vaccination
programme. Whether home-reared or home-bred but reared away, replacements are
vulnerable and, if naïve and exposed to the virus, can become very ill, sometimes with
fatal consequences. They often also succumb to a secondary infection. Even if they
survive an outbreak, these animals will be eating less, so growth rates will be reduced,
and they are often harder to get in calf too.
Bovilis® IBR vaccine is unique and offers maximum flexibility as it can be given intranasally or via intramuscular injection.
Contact the practice for more information.