About Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis:
- It is endemic in India and caused by Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1).
- BoHV-1 is a member of the genus Varicellovirus in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae.
- It is a disease of domestic and wild cattle.
- There are three forms: respiratory, genital and encephalitic, the first two are more common.
- Transmission: The disease is transmitted through the aerosol route and affects reproductive systems. It is also transmitted by semen from bulls to milch animals.
- Symptoms of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis
- It is characterised by clinical signs of the upper respiratory tract, such as a (muco)purulent nasal discharge, hyperaemia of the muzzle (red nose disease) and by conjunctivitis.
- Signs of general illness are fever, depression, inappetence, abortions and reduced milk yield.
- Impacts on Bovines: Infertility, abortions and lower milk productivity are some of the major impacts of the disease.
- Treatment: There is no vaccine available in India and there is no specific treatment against this disease thus far.
