Bovine viral diarrhoea virus
Disease caused by two pestiviruses in the same group as the swine fever virus. These viruses mainly affect cattle and sheep, but can enter pig farms causing reproductive problems.
Alternative names: Border Disease Virus, BDV, Border disease
Information
Produced by two pestiviruses (of the same group as the swine fever virus) but these mainly infect cows and sheep. They can enter pig farms and cause reproductive problems, although it is not a frequent cause of infertility in sows and, from a diagnostic standpoint, is unlikely. It mainly affects fetuses and has relatively no clinical consequences at other ages.
Symptoms
Sows:
- Low conception rates.
- Some abortions.
- Fetal death.
- Mummified piglets.
- Small litters.
- Low birth weights.
Lactating piglets:
- Anemia.
- Tremors.
- Hairy pigs.
- Petechiae on the skin.
Nursery and fattening:
- Not found.
Causes / Contributing Factors
- Exposure to cow or sheep feces.
- Feeding pigs unpasteurized cow's milk, or because of contaminated live / attenuated virus vaccines.
Diagnosis
Laboratory analysis. A cross reaction (false positive) with antibodies against classical swine fever is possible, which may cause problems for classical swine fever surveillance in epidemiology and eradication.
Control/Prevention
- There is no treatment and the infection resolves on its own.
- Preventing direct and indirect contact with sheep or cattle.