Shock for cattle holders: vaccination ban against Bovine's virus diarrhea!

Shock for cattle holders: vaccination ban against Bovine's virus diarrhea!

In the district of Treptow-Köpenick in Berlin, measures to combat the bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDVV) were ordered today. In particular, these measures concern the prevention of the spread of this significant viral infection among cattle. The District Office Treptow-Köpenick is responsible for the issuance of the general order, which will temporarily come into force from the day after its publication and apply until the cancellation. The immediate enforcement was ordered in the public interest.

A central element of the arrangement is the ban on vaccination cattle against BVD with all available vaccines, both living and dead vaccines. This ban is intended to ensure that the absence of the BVDV can only be proven by the detection of freedom of antibody. However, the competent authority can order or approve vaccinations in affected companies. Exceptions to the ban are only possible in individual cases and if necessary.

transmission paths and symptoms of BVD

BVD is a worldwide beef disease that can also affect sheep, goats and wild rapids. The disease is harmless to humans. The infection is transmitted horizontally (from animal to animal) and vertically (from the mother animal to the calf). In many animals, the infection is symptomless. Symptoms can include diarrhea, respiratory diseases and a drop in performance.

Persistent-infected animals (PI animals) are particularly problematic, which excret the virus for life and are decisive for maintaining infection chains. Infections that occur during pregnancy can lead to fertility disorders, creation or early abortions. If an infection occurs in the second to fourth month of pregnancy, the animals are particularly at risk.

The way to the BVD-free zone

The fight against BVD has top priority in Germany since January 1, 2011. The continuous reduction in infected stocks is an important goal. Berlin has applied for a repayment program from the EU to be recognized as an epidemic -free zone. In order to maintain this status, no cattle may be vaccinated against BVD since the status was granted.

The measures to combat the BVD can also be seen in the context of other countries. In Switzerland, for example, an exterior program has been running since 2008, which has already led to a drastic reduction in PI animals. Nevertheless, vigilance is called on, since BVD has not yet fully exterminated and the disease can cause considerable economic damage in cattle. Against this background, the authorities rely on close cooperation between breeders and veterinarians to promote animal health and to prevent the spread of BVD.

If BVD suspected BVD, pet owners are obliged to report it immediately to the responsible veterinary and food supervision. Violations against the new measures can be punished as an administrative offense with fines. These comprehensive measures are necessary to effectively contain the spread of BVD in the district and to secure the health of the beef stocks in the long term.

For more information about BVD and its control, see also the websites of the Federal Office for Agriculture blv.admin.ch and the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety lgl.bayern.de .