The Impact of BVDV Persistently Infected (PI) Calves

In this episode, we’ll learn how PI calves typically acquire the infection in the uterus, before their immune systems have fully developed. You’ll also hear why testing the pregnant animal or the amniotic fluid are not effective for identifying PI calves. Infected calves may be healthy and grow normally or can be poor-doers that don’t live much past a year of age. In either case, the calves are infected for life and will shed the virus in all body secretions, exposing other animals in the herd. If a PI animal escapes detection, it can result in significant costs down the road. Dr. Chase shares the results of a research study that followed a herd with PI animals, including how long it took PI animals to succumb to mucosal disease. Finally, how do you determine if a calf was infected in the uterus or whether it simply has antibodies to the virus from the colostrum of a vaccinated mother? Learn this and more in episode two.

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