Source: Brad White, bwhite@vet.k-state.edu, 785-532-4243

Monday, April 27, 2009

BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHEA VIRUS WEB SITE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST CATTLE PRODUCERS

MANHATTAN -- A new Web site with information about Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus is now available with information regarding the disease, its diagnosis, prevention and control methods. The new site can be found at http://www.bvdinfo.org.

"Members from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association BVD Working Group and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants ad hoc BVD Committee designed this new Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus -- BVDV -- Web site," said veterinarian Dr. Brad White, assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University.

White said the goal of the Web site is to provide a clearinghouse for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus information.

"The site contains a section for peer-reviewed manuscripts divided by topic, non-peer reviewed articles, and links to external sites with pertinent information," White said.

Articles listed contain information regarding vaccination programs, diagnostic testing programs to identify persistently infected calves, herd management and biosecurity programs, economics of Bovine Viral Diarrhea control and mitigation, and information on Bovine Viral Diarrhea in other species. The site also houses software tools that help make decisions associated with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus testing or control programs. These tools allow evaluation of risk of Bovine Viral Diarrhea introduction and economic comparisons of testing and control strategies.

The site also contains information from national Bovine Viral Diarrhea committees including current position statements and schedules for upcoming meetings.

"The Web site provides one stop for collecting valuable bovine viral diarrhea information to help keep
producers, veterinarians and researchers up to date on the latest information," White said.

The Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University assisted with site development and hosting.