Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a disease of cattle caused by infection with Bovine herpesvirus type 1. IBR causes severe respiratory disease that can lead to fatal pneumonia. The team at CVS Farm Vet NI explore this disease in more detail and explain what you can do to protect your herd this winter season.
Firstly why are we so concerned?
In adult cows, IBR infection is associated with a severe and prolonged drop in milk yield, reduced fertility and abortions, and inflammation of the vulva/prepuce. Therefore not only affecting performance but also production ability of the animal.
🚨 Key Risks of IBR in Cattle
1. Respiratory Disease
- IBR primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as:
- Fever (up to 42°C)
- Nasal discharge and “red nose”
- Coughing and laboured breathing
- Conjunctivitis and watery eyes
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- In severe cases, it can lead to bronchopneumonia and death, especially when complicated by secondary bacterial infections. [zoetisus.com]
2. Reproductive Issues
- BoHV-1 can cause:
- Infertility
- Abortions, particularly mid- to late-term
- Birth defects
- Genital infections such as infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IPV) in females and balanoposthitis in males.
3. Latent Infection & Reactivation
- Once infected, cattle carry the virus for life.
- The virus can reactivate during stress, turning previously healthy animals into silent spreaders.
4. Milk Production Loss
- In dairy herds, IBR can cause a significant drop in milk yield, even in mild cases. [nadis.org.uk]
5. Economic & Trade Impact
- IBR is a barrier to exporting live cattle to countries that have eradicated the disease.
- Bulls for artificial insemination must be free of BoHV-1 antibodies
🐄What can we do to protect stock?
- Vaccination is key—both intranasal and injectable options are available.
- Biosecurity measures such as isolating new or sick animals, reducing stress, and maintaining hygiene are essential.
- Early detection and prompt veterinary intervention can prevent outbreaks and reduce losses.
Seven vaccines for IBR have been marketed in the UK- t CVS Farm NI we will work with you to ensure your herd has the correct protection on the correct budget:
- Bovilis® IBR marker live contains modified live gE-negative Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1)
- Bovilis® IBR Marker Inac contains inactivated gE-negative BHV-1
- Hiprabovis IBR Marker Live contains modified live gE-negative BHV-1 contains inactivated gE-negative BHV-1
- Rispoval IBR-Marker Inactivated contains inactivated gE-negative BHV-1
- Rispoval IBR-Marker Live contains modified live gE-negative BHV-1
- Tracherine contained modified live BHV-1
- Rhinovac IBR Marker Live contains modified live gE-negative BHV-1
Speak to the team today at your local practice to ensure that you stay covered this season
