Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) pneumonia in beef calf herds despite vaccination

Lars Erik Larsen, C. Tegtmeier, E. Pedersen

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    The present report describes the clinical, pathological, serological and virological findings in calves from 2 larger Danish beef herds experiencing outbreaks of pneumonia. The calves had been vaccinated with an inactivated bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) vaccine 2 months prior to the outbreak. The clinical signs comprised nasal discharge, pyrexia, cough and increased respiratory rates. A total of 28 calves died in the 2 herds. The laboratory investigations revealed that BRSV was involved and probably initiated both outbreaks. Furthermore, the serological results suggested that the vaccine induced only sparse levels of antibodies probably due to the presence of maternally derived antibodies at the time of vaccination. Necropsy findings in 5 calves revealed changes typical for infectious pneumonia with involvment of BRSV. In conclusion, vaccination of calves against BRSV in 2 Danish beef herds failed to protect the calves against severe or even fatal BRSV mediated respiratory disease 2 months later.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalActa Veterinaria Scandinavica (Print Edition)
    Volume42
    Issue number1
    Pages (from-to)113-121
    ISSN0044-605X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2001

    Keywords

    • bovine respiratory syncytial virus
    • enzootic pneumonia
    • BRSV
    • serology
    • vaccination
    • calves

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