7.3 Vaccination: BVD is problematic |
Whereas BVD vaccination is very popular in the US (the number of vaccines currently registered appears to be more than 150, nevertheless the epidemiological situation in the US has not noticeably improved), Europeans tend to be a bit more reluctant with BVD vaccines. This has to to with a questionable efficiency and safety of available vaccines as well as with widespread misapplication.
ConclusionBVD vaccines are most effective in preventing acute disease, but their benefit is doubtful as far as foetal protection and prevention of fertility disorders is concerned. However, the latter two factors happen to have the greatest impact on economic losses due to BVDV, whereas acute BVD infections produce no symptoms in 70 - 90% of all cases, anyway. Considering again the possible side effects of BVD vaccines, their value may indeed be questioned. At any rate, vaccination can not be the only measure taken against BVD. If need be, animals at risk (virus- and antibody-negative cattle prior to their first insemination) may be vaccinated. However, the vaccination should be accompanied by other more efficient measures (herd screening, eliminating PI animals, biosafety on the farm, avoiding possible exposition and risky behaviour of staff and animals etc.). |