Managing viral challenges in dairy calves: strategies for controlling viral infections

Abstract

AbstractBovine coronavirus (BCoV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine rotavirus (BRV) are common viral infections in dairy calves, resulting in significant economic losses in the dairy industry. BCoV causes severe diarrhea and respiratory disease, with transmission primarily occurring through the fecal-oral and respiratory routes, respectively. BRSV causes acute respiratory tract infections and is primarily transmitted via direct contact with aerosol droplets. BVDV induces diarrhea, respiratory infections, and decreases weight gain. BRV poses a global threat to the dairy sector, causing acute diarrhea and high mortality in neonatal calves. This highly contagious virus results in economic losses for farmers owing to reduced weight gain, treatment costs, and calf fatalities. BRV, primarily affecting 1–3-week-old calves, is caused by serogroup A rotaviruses, constituting 95% of cases. Its resistance to disinfectants, high infectivity, and persistence make it a formidable infectious agent. The diagnosis of these infections involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory testing, and epidemiological investigations. Diagnostic methods, including immunological tests, culture, PCR, and serology, assist in the diagnosis of these pathogens. The treatment includes supportive care and antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections. Prevention and control strategies encompass early colostrum feeding, vaccination, proper housing, feeding, and management practices, along with biosecurity measures and rigorous hygiene practices to minimize their impact on calf health and industry. The dairy industry can prevent and control these infections by implementing appropriate measures and using effective vaccines to minimize the impact on animal health, welfare, and productivity. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology and characterization of viral infections in dairy calves.

Keywords

• Virus
• diarrhea
• pneumonia
• septicemia
• vaccination
• dairy calves