There is quite a fuss developing over BVD so in an attempt to replace rumour with fact here is an article written by Frieda Goodrich who breeds alpacas on the east coast and is part of the New Jersey Alpaca Cooperative

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) - also know as Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV)

Previously BVD was not considered a problem in alpacas. It came to my attention however when "Miss P", a cria which we purchased at a spring auction with her mom, was diagnosed as a PI cria. What is BVD? What is a Persistently Infected cria (PI)? Why should you be concerned about BVD?

BVD is a virus that is passed to alpacas through bodily fluids of an infected animal. Most times it is not a problem - alpacas become infected, mount a response with antibodies and clear the virus. Females who are exposed to the virus for the first time during pregnancy are a different story. Several problems can become an issue. For instance when a female is exposed to the virus for the first time in the early part of gestation, the fetus that she is carrying will never be able to mount antibodies to the virus and will always have the virus. After it is born it will continually shed the virus and spread it to other animals throughout its life. This cria is a Persistently Infected (PI) cria and must be culled to stop the spread of the virus.

"Miss P" was possibly the first PI cria Cornell University diagnosed. Fortunately we had quarantined our new purchase from the auction and when we tested our herd we never had a positive result for the active virus on our property. However, there were 4 females and one young male who tested positive for antibodies to BVD - which means they were probably exposed to the virus before they came to our farm. To prevent the spread of BVD precautions will be taken with the pregnant females who tested positive for BVD antibodies. They will be quarantined for birthing and kept quarantined until the cria is tested for BVD.

We were very fortunate that the virus did not spread. There are others in New Jersey and the Northeast who have not been as fortunate. To those that say NJ is just a 'hot spot' for BVD, I beg to differ. How many farms in other states have done testing? If so, have the farms been willing to share the info with other farms? The cria we purchased was from the west coast. Other animals we own who tested positive for antibodies came from New England and New Jersey.

One of the biggest problems I see with BVD is the breeder who ignores it or simply doesn't admit there is a problem. Once you know the status of your herd, it is a matter of herd management to eliminate BVD. The breeder who sold us "Miss P" continues to state that they have no problem and that "Miss P" obviously contracted BVD when she came to NJ. Remember, we purchased her as a cria at side and Dr. Dubovi classified her as a PI cria, which means her mother was exposed to the virus while "Miss P" was in utero. (i.e. while the dam was still on the west coast)

I do not expect that every farm who tests will show signs of BVD exposure. To the contrary, it probably is a small percentage. But unless you have a closed herd, never go to shows, never purchase new animals and never do outside breedings, exposure to the BVD infection can become an issue on your farm.

When NJAC members had a discussion on BVD last fall, it was a unanimous decision to help educate our members, other breeders and vets about BVD by sponsoring a seminar. On February 19, 2006 Dr. Ed Dubovi, one of the top veterinary virologists in the country, will discuss Bovine Viral Diarrhea in alpacas. Dr. Katrina Alger will talk about Quarantine Issues and Current Immunization Protocols. Even if you are planning to attend this seminar, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with BVD beforehand. The various links and reference articles listed below will help you to understand the basics of BVD.

End of article.

I have also written to Chris Cebra at OSU Vet College here in Oregon on this topic and will post his reply once I receive it.

By Adrian Stewart