Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Why in news?

India’s first indigenously developed vaccine against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) was launched recently.

• IBR is a highly contagious and infectious viral disease that affects cattle of all ages.
• Caused by – Bovine Herpes Virus (BHV-1)
• It is endemic in India.
• Characterized by – Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and disease of the reproductive tract.
• Clinical signs are influenced by the age of the animal, the dose of virus, route of infection and whether other agents are also present.
• Transmission – It spreads through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, through air (aerosols), and via humans and contaminated equipment, water, or semen.
• Symptoms – Respiratory ones, conjunctivitis, occasional coughing, poor milk yield, lose their appetite, high fever (41-42°C) with purulent ocular and nasal discharges.
• Mortality rate – During an outbreak of IBR, the morbidity rate may be 100% but the mortality rate is generally less than 2%. 
• Diagnosis of IBR – Serology (blood samples) or the real-time PCR method.
• Treatment – There is no specific treatment for the virus itself, but antibiotics can be used to manage secondary bacterial infections that often accompany IBR.
• Control of IBR – By Selective culling, Systematic vaccination against the target species,  Biosecurity, and Monitoring.
• Vaccination – Modified-live and inactivated vaccines are available and are a key part of IBR control programs.

So far, In India there is no specific vaccine and treatment available against this disease.

• Impacts – Infertility, abortions and lower milk productivity which leads to economic loss in the cattle industry.

Quick Fact

References

1. The Hindu | India’s first gE deleted DIVA marker vaccine
2. MSD Animal Health | Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)