28 July 2014 Farmers understanding & approach to control of Pestivirus in eastern Australia Pestivirus or Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVDV) is a virus many Australian farmers have heard of, but their approach to controlling BVDV varies across eastern Australia. Pestivirus is a virus that many recognise as being implicated in poor fertility and abortion, but it also has effects on foetal development (deformities), the immune system (immunosuppression, allowing secondary infections), and calf viability (dead or weak calves at birth). “The virus spreads primarily through viral shedding from persistently infected (PI) animals,” said Dr Alistair Smith, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University. “The mothers of PI animals have never previously been exposed to the virus and are infected in the early part of pregnancy, between days 18‐125.” Researchers have tried to evaluate the financial impact of this disease to the cattle industry, and to individual herds, and numbers vary depending on whether a herd that has never previously been exposed ($30‐$195/cow) or one that has an ongoing endemic disease continually circulating in the background ($13‐$49/calving) are considered. “Recent anecdotal evidence gathered in discussion with producers, shows that some, despite their involvement in the cattle industry for 40 years, are unaware of the existence of this virus, its effects, and what can be done to control it,” Dr Smith explained. “So eight years after an earlier Meat and Livestock Australia report on BVDV was published, it seemed appropriate to attempt to fill this knowledge gap. But before we can investigate the economic impact of Pestivirus in Australian herds, we need to first gain an understanding of farmers’ knowledge about the infection.” A survey was conducted in eastern Australia in early 2014 with 108 responses received. Breeding cow herd size ranged from 50‐1950 adult cows. Preliminary results suggest varying levels of understanding in relation to the spread of Pestivirus and its effects. The role of the PI animal as a major source of virus‐shedding is well understood, but it is poorly understood that all secretions from a virus‐shedding animal are a potential threat. “Of particular concern is the low ranking given to the potential risk posed by the faeces and semen of these animals. The impact on fertility and abortion is well acknowledged but the other possible outcomes are not as well recognised,” Dr Smith said. “While many producers demonstrate a reasonable working knowledge of how disease caused by BVDV manifests itself, how it can be spread and what can be done to control it, only a third of producers are implementing any control program, and these not always implemented effectively. “Further study is needed to assess why so many producers are choosing not to implement protective programs and whether there will be a cost‐benefit under Australian conditions for them to do so,” said Dr Smith. Dr Alistair Smith will discuss farmers understanding of BVDV and approaches to control at the Graham Centre Beef Forum being held at the Charles Sturt University Convention Centre on Friday 15 August. The Graham Centre is a research alliance between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Producers will also hear about managing the challenges of volatile seasons and markets in beef production, online processing technologies for predicting carcass and meat quality and what this means for producers, opportunity and drought feedlots – practical experience and examples of making it work, animal welfare issues in cattle feedlots and farmers understanding and approach to control of Pestivirus in eastern Australia. The field day is run in conjunction with Local Land Services Riverina, with sponsorship contributed from Animal Health Australia, National Australia Bank, Regional Development Australia Riverina, Ancare, Riverina Cooperative, More Beef from Pastures and Teys Australia. Register online at www.grahamcentre.net or contact Toni Nugent, E: [email protected] or T: 02 6933 4402. For further details, interviews and photos please contact Toni Nugent, Industry Partnerships and Communications Manager, Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation on mobile 0418 974 775. ‐ends‐ Sponsors: