What is the best management strategy for BVD in bovine herds?

The best management strategy for Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) in bovine herds involves culling persistently infected (PI) animals and vaccinating the rest of the herd. This approach is effective because PI animals serve as a continuous source of the virus within the herd, leading to ongoing transmission and infection among susceptible cattle.

By identifying and removing these PI animals, producers can significantly reduce the prevalence of the virus. Vaccination is equally important as it helps to protect non-infected animals from becoming infected. Implementing this dual strategy of culling and vaccination can help control outbreaks and decrease the economic impact of BVD on the herd's productivity, reproductive performance, and overall health.

While vaccinating all animals can be beneficial, without addressing the source of the infection (the PI animals), the vaccination may not be enough to control the disease effectively. Monitoring growth rates and providing antibiotics may help in managing certain aspects of herd health, but they do not directly address the fundamental issue of controlling BVD.