Surveillance for persistent bovine viral diarrhea virus infection in four artificial insemination centers.

Four large bovine artificial insemination centers implemented a program of surveillance of resident and newly acquired bulls for persistent bovine viral diarrhea virus infection. Infection was identified in 12 of 1,538 bulls. Several clinical abnormalities, including acute and chronic mucosal disease, were evident among the persistently infected bulls. Semen produced by such bulls consistently contained bovine viral diarrhea virus, and such contamination was not always accompanied by diminished seminal quality. Infected bulls were detected by means of virus isolation tests performed on blood specimens, but not by use of serologic testing. Ten of the 12 persistently infected bulls were results of embryo transfer. Virologic surveillance of breeding herds, artificial insemination and embryo transfer centers, and the cattle trade is necessary to prevent spread of this virus by modern cattle breeding practices. Attention is also necessary to prevent contamination by this virus of the fluids used for recovery, in vitro manipulation, and transfer of bovine embryos.