Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a disease characterized by acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. BoHV-1 infection can also sporadically cause abortion in cattle.
If notifiable disease is suspected, contact the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
Clinical signs
Clinical signs may include:
- Decreased appetite, weight loss and poor milk yield
- Fever
- Rapid and loud breathing, coughing
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Conjunctivitis
- In severe, cases, ulcers may appear on the nose
- Multiple animals often affected in a group
- Inflammation of male or female reproductive tracts
- Abortion (less common).
How is the disease transmitted?
- Infected cattle can develop a latent infection and, despite appearing clinically normal, may suffer recurrence of disease when under stress. Consequently, susceptible animals may become infected due to the introduction to the herd of latently infected animals Close contact between animals
- Semen from infected bulls
- Contaminated equipment
Anyone suspecting Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis must immediately inform their local Divisional Veterinary Office.