IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis)

What is IBR?

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is caused by bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). Rhinotracheitis means inflammation of the nose and windpipe. Cattle are the main host, and buffaloes can also be infected. The virus spreads through nose and eye discharges, close contact and coughing, and at mating or through infected semen.

Like other herpesviruses, the IBR virus never fully leaves the body. After the first illness it hides in the nerves for life. Stress, such as transport, calving or another disease, can wake it up, and the animal sheds virus again, often without looking ill. This is why one infected animal can keep a herd infected. IBR can cause breathing disease, eye infection, abortion and genital infection, and it weakens the airways so other germs can cause pneumonia. IBR does not infect people.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• High fever, dullness and poor appetite
• A red, sore nose with discharge
• Watery or red eyes
• Cough and fast breathing
• A sudden drop in milk
• Small blisters or sores on the vulva or on a bull's sheath

Not every animal shows every sign, and many infections are mild or silent. Pregnant animals may abort, often later in pregnancy and sometimes weeks after the illness.

Which lab tests help

The IBR (BoHV-1) Antibody ELISA looks for antibodies in blood or milk. A positive result means the animal has met the virus, and because the virus stays for life, it is usually regarded as a carrier. Some kits cannot tell infection from vaccination, so always tell your vet if animals have been vaccinated. Antibody testing is commonly used to check breeding bulls and new animals before they join a herd.

IBR (BoHV-1) RT-PCR finds the virus's DNA in a nasal swab, semen or tissue. Swabs taken early in the illness, when the animal is shedding virus, give the most useful results. The Bovine Respiratory Disease RT-PCR Panel and the Abortion Investigation Panel for Cattle & Buffalo typically include IBR among other causes; the exact lists are confirmed when you book. For thick nasal discharge, a Nasal Swab Culture & Sensitivity can show bacteria that have moved in.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and history.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if animals have a fever, red nose, eye discharge or cough, or if there is an abortion. An animal breathing hard or not eating needs a vet the same day. Before buying a new animal or bull, ask your vet about IBR testing, and ask about vaccination or prevention for your herd.

Testing in Bhopal

Free sample collection covers all of Bhopal, and Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal. Farmers in other districts can send samples by courier, by bus parcel or through their local vet; phone or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to arrange it. Reports come on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.