Animal Profiling International Products

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) PI Tests

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 Method: Animal Profiling International uses the industry's newest, most advanced and cost effective screening method, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). API begins the search for BVD PI animals by using the PCR screening method. 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 multiple samples is possible. Proper controls are run insuring that no BVD PI positive animals are missed.

API provides incredible accuracy and next business day results for quick decision-making. API also provides follow up testing on all positive animals.

Herd Screening Protocols

Dairy Herd Screening Protocols

Beef Herd BVD and PI Informational Overview (PDF)

Beef Herd BVD PI Screening Protocol (PDF)

Commercial Herd BVD Control Plan (PDF)

Feedlot BVD PI Screening Protocol (PDF)

Heifer Development BVD PI Screening Protocol (PDF)

Stocker Backgrounder BVD PI Screening Protocol (PDF)

Seedstock Herd BVD Control Plan (PDF) Dairy Herd BVD and PI Informational Overview (PDF)

Dairy Herd BVD PI Screening Protocol (PDF)

Dairy Calf BVD PI Screening Protocol (PDF)

Dairy Herd Bulk Tank Milk Sample Collection Procedure (PDF)

Dairy Herd BVD Control Plan (PDF)

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

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

Testimonial

We are 100% satisfied with API -- from education/awareness, technical support, lab analysis, reporting, documentation and follow-through. The extra components, while hard to put on a balance sheet, add greatly to the value received from this lab. These components along with API's overall pricing structure and "next-business day" turn-around time continues to make them our lab of choice.
I have to note that we're very satisfied with API's ability to find the RNA of the virus and have no reservation about the sensitivity and specificity of the pooled RT-PCR approach. Plus, submitting "dry" tissue samples makes the entire process go a lot easier, faster and with fewer submission complications than when using fluid preservation. Making the sampling process and submission easy for the producer while maintaining the integrity of the sample is paramount to the success of our project.

Clint Peck, Director
Beef Quality Assurance
Montana State University