|
|
Which Animal to Test and When
A common BVD question among beef producers is: Which animals to test and when?
Most industry professionals recognize that whole-herd testing is not practical or cost-effective. Instead, a systematic screening protocol devised with your consulting veterinarian can be a more effective means to identify any persistently infected (PI) animals in the herd.
Dan Givens, a veterinarian and PhD on the Auburn University College of .jpg) Veterinary Medicine faculty, emphasizes to producers that surveillance in the form of some diagnostic testing is essential to identify BVD virus. “You cannot recognize all of the PI animals,” he says, adding, “If you’ve never tested for BVD on your farm, there’s a real likelihood that it is there.”
He suggests producers pick an action point to determine if BVD is circulating. For instance, you may choose to test the calves in the herd. This BVD screening should be conducted at least 30 days in advance of breeding to avoid exposure of a pregnant cow by a PI animal. Bulls (and semen) should be purchased as BVD-PI-free. If not, bulls should be screened prior to breeding season. Also, consider testing replacement heifers prior to breeding as they prepare to go into the herd.
Givens says producers may want to test every year for a few years. After a period of time, if no PI animals are being identified, you may stop testing. But he advises, “Don’t quit asking if BVD is circulating in the herd.” Instead, stay attuned to any unusual health problems, aborted fetuses, and be vigilant about biosecurity and vaccinations.
|
|
|
|
|