Viral infection of Cattle | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Understanding Rednose Disease

Overview of Rednose Disease

• Rednose disease, also known as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, is a viral infection that primarily affects cattle and goats. 
• It leads to severe inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, eyes, and reproductive organs. 
• This contagious infection can result in abortions and, if complicated by secondary bacterial infections, can lead to bronchopneumonia.

Causes and Transmission

• The disease is caused by a filterable virus that can be isolated from nasal and ocular fluids of infected cattle. 
• It spreads directly through infected droplets from animals and contact with secretions from the nose, eyes, and vulva. 
• The virus can invade the placenta and developing fetus, potentially causing abortion, death, or fetal resorption.

Symptoms and Manifestations

• Affected animals typically exhibit high temperatures, along with a clear serous nasal discharge that may contain traces of blood. 
• Other symptoms include loss of appetite, labored breathing, and coughing. 
• Another variant of the disease involves pustular vulvovaginitis in heifers, characterized by inflammation, pustules, fibrinous pseudomembranes, and yellowish exudate in the vaginal area.

Effects on Livestock 

• Abortions are common in infected animals, and there is a decrease in milk production among lactating cows. 
• The virus can be isolated from lacrimal, nasal, and vulvar secretions, as well as from aborted fetuses.

Preventive Measures and Control

• Vaccination is a key strategy for controlling the disease, with inactivated and modified live vaccines typically administered to animals at four months old. 
• The intranasal vaccine can be given earlier if necessary, while pregnant animals are usually administered the inactivated or intranasal vaccine. 
• Vaccination plays a crucial role in managing outbreaks and minimizing the impact of Rednose disease on livestock. This paraphrased explanation provides a detailed understanding of Rednose disease in cattle, covering its causes, transmission, symptoms, effects, and preventive measures.