Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI-3) viruses have all been shown to be widespread amongst New Zealand dairy herds. 60% of cattle have been exposed to BVD and generally, nearly 80% of herds have been exposed. Somewhere between 15-20% of dairy herds have a current active infection meaning that persistently infected cattle are present (BVD steering committee website). Serological surveys have shown that IBR prevalence may range from 60-80% in most dairy herds along with PI-3 prevalence running at nearly 100% in dairy herds surveyed (Motha and Hansen, 1998). Motha and Hansen showed that the prevalence of herds with all three infections to be greater than 55%.
Hiprabovis 3 is a trivalent vaccine containing inactivated strains of BVD, IBR and PI-3 virus which stimulates active immunity to all three viruses and acts as an aid in the control of disease caused by these viruses. Hiprabovis 3 is the only vaccine available offering any protection for bulls against these viruses. Bulls should be tested BVD negative and vaccinated with a primary dose 8-9 weeks before the introduction to the herd with a booster given not less than 3 weeks before being introduced to the herd.
BVD steering committee website.
Motha M X J and Hansen (1990). Prevalence of IBR, PI 3, BRS and BCV infections in the dairy cattle population of New Zealand.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 46: pp 239-240.