St. Joseph, MO (APRIL 8, 2007) – The fight against bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) Types 1 and 2 and persistently infected (PI) calves became winnable recently as USDA-APHIS awarded Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), one of the strongest label claims available for vaccine efficacy. Express® FP 3 VL5, Breed-Back® FP 5, Breed-Back® FP 5HS, Breed-Back® FP 10, and Breed-Back® FP 10HS vaccines are now licensed to prevent persistent BVD infections. The prevention claim assures users that the vaccines prevent the development of persistently infected calves by protecting the fetus in the critical first trimester of pregnancy.

“We conducted five challenge studies that included challenges against four isolates, including BVD Types 1a, 1b and 2” said Judy Myers, Associate Director of Cattle Marketing for BIVI. “APHIS standards for this rating are high and unrelenting, for good reasons. Thanks to the efforts of our research team, we can now offer one of the highest levels of BVD PI protection possible.”

PI calves are born with the BVD virus being recognized as self. These calves shed BVD virus for life and expose every animal they contact to BVD. PI calves may appear healthy and “normal;” however, they often perform poorly and have greater susceptibility to calfhood diseases.

In two BVD Type 1 challenges, BIVI vaccines achieved 91 percent and 100 percent protection in challenged heifers, compared to zero percent for non-vaccinated, control animals. Three BVD Type 2 studies resulted in 100 percent, 94 percent and 95 percent protection for vaccinated heifers.

“Estimates from National Animal Disease Center at USDA and other sources tell us that BVD can sap anywhere from $150 million to $200 million from the U.S. beef and dairy industries,” Myers said. “Effective vaccination protocols can now prevent PI calves caused by BVD fetal infections. This achievement can be a significant financial boost for cattle producers and the industry overall.”

Myers cautioned, however, that this claim doesn’t lessen the need for BVD monitoring, herd testing or slacking on biosecurity practices. Even the best vaccine will not compensate for poor management practices. If you suspect BVD to be in your herd, she advises working with your veterinarian to determine the best method for testing for its presence.