IBR outbreak on six dairy farms in the Northern Netherlands

Cow Milk

Dairy

Netherlands

Published Jan 14, 2023

Tridge summary

The field virus of IBR has been detected on nasal swabs on three of the six dairy farms. The farms had clear symptoms and adult cow mortality. According to GD, it turns out to be an unusually virulent outbreak, with local spread via property entrants likely. This outbreak is in contrast to developments during the rest of the year. GD reports that in 2022 there were only twelve tank milk turnovers on free dairy farms. A tank milk turnover means that IBR antibodies have been found in the tank milk and more than 10 percent of the flock is infected with IBR. There were also few positive nasal swabs, because the IBR field virus was detected on only seven cattle farms.

Original content

Be alert for symptoms Partly because of the recent outbreak, GD advises cattle farmers to be alert to symptoms: nasal and/or eye discharge, snoring, fever, reduced appetite, drop in milk production, rejection and sometimes death. When in doubt, always call the vet immediately. On farms with a status of 'free' or 'unsuspected' for IBR, status management protocols dictate that nasal swabs be taken and submitted to GD for IBR virus testing. It is also important to arrive at a diagnosis on vaccinating farms or beef cattle farms without a status, but with clinical symptoms. The result usually follows within one working day. Avoid carry-over Hygiene measures to prevent the carry-over of IBR between local and contact companies are now important, according to GD. Farmers in the same work area can take measures to prevent further spread of the virus. During visits to outbreak farms that GD veterinarians have carried out for ZuivelNL in recent years, it turned out that this type of ...

Source: Nieuwe Oogst