Back in October 2025 we hosted Dr Enoch Bergman from Swans Lab in WA for a client evening, discussing Pestivirus and approaches available to us to manage it.
Pestivirus, also known as Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) can reduce the immunity of a group or herd of cows, making them susceptible to other diseases processes such as pneumonia, scours, abortion storms and reduced fertility. Depending on when an animal is exposed to the virus will affect the impact it has on the animal, and possibly the unborn foetus. For example, in early stages of pregnancy it may cause resorption of a foetus, or it can lead to the production of Persistently Infected (PI) animals. Around the 5month gestation mark it can cause deformities as the virus interrupts the natural development of the foetus. After 6 months gestation it is a relatively common cause of abortion.
A biosecurity review of your property or properties should be carried out to ascertain the risk of bringing BVDV onto your farm, followed by antibody testing a select number of unvaccinated, homebred heifers that are over 9m of age, providing they have been in a stable group for a minimum of two months. Bulk milk sampling for dairy herds also provide us with information about the status of herds. Smaller beef herds may be more suited to doing ear notching off all animals on farm.
In recent months, as a result of BVDV we have seen abortion storms in a group of naïve heifers, poorly grown calves in a closed herd, and calves born with limb and eye deformities. There is a vaccination available, however it should only be used as part of the bigger picture towards eradication.
Swans Veterinary Labs are currently offering to cover the antibody testing of heifers to help producers ascertain their disease status for Pestivirus (until the end of November 2025). Get in touch if this is a service you would like to explore.
