Is BVD Lurking in Your Cattle Herd?

RUSSELL, Kan. - Increased incidence of abortion, unexplained calf
deaths, and weak or poorly-developing calves may be signs of bovine
virus diarrhea (BVD). This disease is immunosuppressive to calves and
makes them susceptible to a variety of other diseases, according to
Larry Hollis, Kansas State University Research and Extension
veterinarian.

While the disease has been around for a long time, recent
improvements in diagnostic capabilities have resulted in finding a
higher incidence of the disease than previously thought. Economic
losses have been better characterized.

Animals may become persistently infected (PI) and appear normal,
while spreading the virus to other animals.

As performance problems with the PI animals become more widely known,
demand will likely increase for producers to answer questions about
how they can devise their own BVD-control strategies.

In order to help producers identify and control BVD, K-State Research
and Extension will host the Central Kansas Cow/Calf Symposium Friday,
Feb. 6, at the Russell County 4-H Building. Registration will begin
at 9 a.m., with the program starting at 9:45 a.m.

The symposium also will cover other topics critical to the beef
industry, including the national livestock identification program,
cow leases, synchronization of estrus, maternal heterosis and more.
Program details are available from the Russell County K-State
Research and Extension Office at 785-483-3157.