Pestivirus

Pestivirus is spread by direct contact from transiently infected or persistently infected (PI) carrier animals, to their herd mates. It comprises about one per cent of the cattle population.

The virus, also known as bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), causes:

  • abortion
  • ill thrift in young animals
  • diarrhoea
  • increased susceptibility to respiratory disease.

Other symptoms of pestivirus include drooling and weight loss. In severe cases it can lead to death.

Cattle infected by pestivirus can develop ulcerations on their lips and noses which can strongly resemble foot and mouth disease (FMD).

First-time exposure to the virus by pregnant cows can result in:

  • abortion
  • calf deformity
  • poor suckling response
  • PI affected calves which appear normal at birth.

There is serological (diagnostic) evidence of this disease on some 90 per cent of Australian cattle properties and it is estimated that 60 per cent of these herds have PI carrier animals present.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Diagnosis of pestivirus will require veterinary assistance. Clinical signs of pestivirus can vary depending on the strain of virus and time of infection.

Clinical signs that would lead a producer to suspect pestivirus include:

  • early-term abortion or embryonic loss
  • temporary infertility
  • increased susceptibility to other diseases
  • weak, stunted or deformed calves
  • diarrhoea
  • respiratory disease
  • ill-thrift and wastage.

Spread between animals

Transmission is by direct contact with an infected animal or its secretions. Conditions that contribute to the spread of pestivirus include:

  • Close contact with an infected animal such as in feedlots, yards and dairies. This risk is increased if coinciding with stress related events e.g. weaning or the introduction of new animals.
  • Recent introduction of carrier animal(s) into a herd of susceptible pregnant females, especially into a:
    • closed breeding herd
    • breeding herd in the early stages of pregnancy.
  • When a susceptible breeding herd has access to a carrier animal(s), either by contact with other cattle on the property, or to neighbours’ cattle across the fence.

Emergency Animal Disease Hotline

Suspected disease or pests in livestock, poultry or aquatic animals must be reported immediately.

Call us to help stop the spread of animal illness, even if you are unsure of the disease.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Freecall 1800 675 888
Page last reviewed: 15 Sep 2022

 


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