Discover the history of BVD disease
Susanna Astiz
BVD was first described in North America in the 40s. The following decade, a cattle disease with the same clinical presentation was described in Germany. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that the causative viral agents of both diseases, and of the fatal mucosal disease, were the same. A newly recognised form of severe haemorrhagic disease was described in North America in the 90s and was associated with a distinct subgroup, BVD type 2, which is now also present in Europe.
BVD virus: key characteristics
Volker Moennig
The BVD pestivirus is divided into two genotypes (type 1 and type 2), on the basis of genetic differences, and into two biotypes (non-cytopathic and cytopathic), based on effects on cultured cells. BVD virus has a broad host spectrum and is generally well adapted to the bovine host species where it causes mild disease. Highly virulent BVD variants (mainly type 2) may however emerge.
