Where BVD is present in a cow herd, one of the problems associated with the disease is calves being born carrying the virus (PI’s). These calves generally fail to thrive, will grow much more slowly than herd mates and show symptoms such as poor coats and scouring.
These calves will spread the disease to other weaners or cattle that they come into contact with. It is “Best Practice” to confirm their infected status with a blood test and destroy them.
If you have tail end weaner cattle that have performed poorly (including weaner dairy bulls), consider checking their BVD status with a blood test.
Where infected weaners are found, which have originated from your own cow herd, the next issue to address is protecting your herd and incoming heifers from the effects of BVD.
This can be an extremely complex issue and the best approach to the problem varies from farm to farm.