Animal Profiling International Products

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD)

Description:

BVD is a common viral disease of cattle that results in significant economic losses estimated to be in excess of two billion dollars annually in 2004 and 2005. Individually, a producer can experience up to a $56 loss per cow in a herd where a persistently infected (PI) animal is present. The seriousness of this disease has grown to the point where the Academy of Veterinary Consultants has adopted a position statement to control and eventually eradicate this disease from North America. Eradication of this virus is difficult as PI calves often survive while appearing to be fully healthy. When PI calves enter production channels they shed enormous numbers of virus particles - up to 10 million particles daily - infecting otherwise healthy cattle. PI cattle are the main source for transmission and spread of BVD.

Testing Methods:

Animal Profiling International uses the industry's latest and most effective methods, including Reverse Transcriptase - Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) for screening, and an antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for individual diagnosis. Together, they provide incredible accuracy and next-day results for quick decision-making. API also provides follow up testing on all positive animals.

RT-PCR Screen:

New, advanced, and cost-effective - API recommends beginning your search for BVD PI animals by using the RT-PCR screening method. RT-PCR provides an exquisitely sensitive and specific tool for rapid detection of the BVD virus. The incredible signal amplification of this technology means that simultaneous screening of hundreds of samples is possible. Proper controls are run insuring that no BVD positive animals will be missed.

Antigen Capture ELISA Test:

API uses an antigen capture ELISA to confirm BVD PI status of individual animal identified in the RT-PCR screening. Serum and skin (ear notch) are both appropriate samples to identify infected animals. This test has a turnaround time of less than 24-hours once the sample is received in our lab. Positive animals can be retested 30-days after original test to assure the persistently infected state. The test is reported to be nearly 100% accurate in determining if an individual animal is persistently infected.

Cost versus Benefit on cattle with a PI animal in the group:


*Chart information obtained from current estimates provided to cattle industry.

ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS

All of our analytical tools are designed to enable veterinarians and producers to manage cattle more effectively. We offer our consulting services to assist in utilizing the testing results at no additional charge. Our goal is to increase accuracy by using quantitative data over subjective evaluation. Our prices are based on volume discounts which are cumulative over an agreed upon period of time. Using multiple tests on each animal further reduces the per test cost of our tools. Given access to health and performance data, we can readily demonstrate how these tools will help our clients increase profit margins. All information obtained is held under strict confidence.

SPECIAL OFFER

BVD PI Sample Kit (PDF).
Ideal for sampling less than 100 head.

BROCHURES

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (PDF)

FORMS & PROTOCOLS

BVD PI Beef Herd Screening Protocol (PDF)
How to select which beef animals to screen

BVD PI Dairy Herd Screening Protocol (PDF)
How to select which dairy animals to screen

BVD PI Milk Sample Collection Protocol (PDF)
How to collect a bulk tank milk sample for screening

Client Information and Sample Submission Form (PDF)
Sample Submission Form