Diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhea virus infections.

Because of complex pathogenesis and insidious nature of BVDV infections, the laboratory diagnosis is an essential component of developing measures for the control and prevention of BVDV infections. The positive isolation of BVDV from animal submissions or from aborted fetuses should provide a strong indication for further epidemiologic investigations within the identified infected herds. In these situations, the ultimate goal should be the establishment of sound control and prevention methods by prevention of any potential exposure to BVDV (i.e., removal of PI animals and preventing the introduction of infected animals) and by protecting animals by using effective vaccination programs.