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BVD, or bovine viral diarrhoea, is probably the most important viral disease of cattle in New Zealand.

BVD causes significant production losses to both the dairy and beef industries and at least 60% of cattle in New Zealand have been exposed. Recent figures for infected dairy herds estimate the losses at about $150 million for the industry and $220 per cow in an infected herd. These losses include increased abortions, calving inductions, calving to conception interval and services per conception and decreased milk production.

Interest in BVD control is growing rapidly. In 2005 a steering committee was formed under the umbrella of the New Zealand Veterinary Association to examine the feasibility of controlling BVD in New Zealand.  The committee concluded that a formal control programme was not feasible at this time due to limitations in diagnostic techniques, industry awareness, and economic impact data. The veterinary profession was also divided.

What is happening in 2011

Now, it is the committee’s belief that voluntary BVD control is feasible on many dairy and beef farms.  We now know a lot more about the economic significance of BVD, especially in dairy herds and there are good, inexpensive tools available for screening large numbers of cattle. The BVD Steering Committee has developed a BVD Management Toolkit to assist veterinarians control this disease on clients’ farms. In partnership with MSD Animal Health, the toolkit has now been published and widely promoted to the NZ veterinary profession. Refer to News section of this website for more information.