INFECTIOUS BOVINE RHINOTRACHEITIS (IBR)

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Causative Agent

Bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BoHV-1), a member of the alpha herpesvirus family

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Clinical signs include a respiratory syndrome such as profuse watery nasal discharge becoming thicker and darker as the infection progresses and stands with its head and neck extended. Depression, higher body temperature (40 to 42 degrees C) and decreased appetite accompany the respiratory signs; infectious pustular vulvovaginitis which includes thick yellow to brown vulvar discharge that attaches to the vulvar tuft of hair. The vulva is swollen, and the vulvar and vaginal lining is reddened, dying and/or contains small, whitish-coloured pustules. The vaginal-vulvar infection causes irritation, exhibited by frequent tail-switching and urination. Temporary infertility accompanies this infection.

Lesions similar to those from IPV may appear on the bull’s penis and prepuce (foreskin). This infection is believed to result from coitus with an IPV infected female. The libido of infected males is usually decreased temporarily. The condition is known as balanoposthitis.

abortion, pinkeye and post-mortem lesions.

The disease mainly affects cattle, and it is worldwide in distribution, although some countries like had successfully eradicated the disease.

Diagnostic Considerations

In live animal: blood, nasal or conjunctival swab

Dead animal: tissue mix containing any or all the following tissues – lung, lymph node, kidney, spleen, thymus

Laboratory tests includes PCR for the detection of the viral antigen. ELISA for detection of virus antibody in serum or milk

Management and Treatment

There is no specific treatment for IBR, secondary bacterial infections can be managed with antibiotics and animals with a high fever treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Preventative vaccination of the remaining herd members may aid in minimising disease spread.

 

A variety of effective IBR vaccines are available, including marker vaccines that allow vaccinated animals to be distinguished from naturally infected ones on serology tests. Some vaccines are multivalent including other respiratory tract pathogens of cattle. IBR vaccination can be either by single intranasal or intramuscular injection. Elimination of the virus from closed herds is possible with testing and vaccination. But keeping herds free from IBR requires careful biosecurity including vaccination and quarantine of newly purchased cattle of uncertain status.

Antibiotics that may be used include:

  • Oxytetracyline LA 20 mg/kg IM (repeat after 2-4 days)
  • Amoxycillin 4-7 mg/kg, IM, q12-24h x5/7
  • Ciprofloxacin 16-20 mg/kg PO, IM, IV q12h

Enrofloxacin 2.5-5 mg/kg IM, daily for 3-5 days for calves; 2.5-5 mg/kg SC once daily for 3-5 days or 7.5-12.5 mg/kg once for adult cattle.