bvd, bvdv, bovine viral diarrhea virus, bvd pi, bvd-pi, persistently infected, persistent infection, cst, central states testing,
The Original BVD-PI Testing Laboratory
620-675-8640
BVD Basics
What is BVD?
BVD is a contagious virus that suppresses the immune system of cattle, which makes the animal very susceptible to common pathogens it could otherwise fight off. BVD can cause numerous health, performance and management issues.
What is a BVD-PI Animal?
BVD-PI animals (PI's) are created during 40 - 120 days gestation. The BVD virus infects the fetus, which doesn't have an immune system. The fetus recognizes the virus as itself and continues to produce it for its entire life. These animals are a source of the virus that will cause surrounding animals to become acutely infected (AI/TI), which the acute animals will have for 10 - 14 days.
Surrounding animals will continue to be exposed to the virus as long as the PI animal is around.
Why Test for BVD-PI Animals?
BVD-PI animals (PI's) shed billions of virus particles per day, infecting all cattle that come into contact with them. Once infected, BVD suppresses the immune system of the animal causing it to be very susceptible to common sickness it could otherwise fight off.
What are the effects a PI could cause?
PI's can be responsible for many pathogens, including but not limited to: BRD, mycoplasma pneumonia, mucosal disease, scours and much more.
PI's also cause decreased performance, including but not limited to: increased COG, decreased daily gain, decreased conception, decreased weaning weights, increased abortions and much more.
Does vaccination help?
While vaccination can help with Acutely Infected animals (AI's), vaccines are no match for a
BVD-PI animal. PI's produce so many virus particles they can essentially "overpower" vaccines.
The most cost effective strategy is to test for and remove BVD-PI animals from your herd.