Bovine Viral Diarrhea in the Neonatal Calf

Abstract

SUMMARY Bovine viral diarrhea ( bvd ) virus has been implicated in neonatal calf enteritis. Calves may become infected in utero or postnatally. In utero infection may terminate in abortion, cerebellar hypoplasia, birth of a weak calf, or clinically inapparent infection. Clinical signs in neonatal calves may include fever, leukopenia, nasal discharge, and diarrhea of varying severity. Death from severe dehydration may occur in 18 to 96 hours, or chronic diarrhea may persist for weeks. Erosions of the digestive tract, typical of fatal mucosal disease, are occasionally observed. Preventive measures should emphasize early feeding of colostrum from an immune dam and a planned herd vaccination program.