BHV-1 infections in Styria (Austria) caused by intra-community trade
Köfer, J.; Wagner, P.; Deutz, A.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 106(6): 231-233
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 10422369 Document Number: 511215
The present paper describes the prevalence of bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1) infections in the Austrian province of Styria between 1990 an 1997 and the corresponding eradication programme. Between 1990 and 1997, 4033-21846 cattle herds in Styria were investigated each year for antibodies against BHV-1 using an ELISA to test collected blood samples. The relevant legal provisions prohibit vaccination and require reactors to be slaughtered. Of the herds tested, 0.58% were infected in 1990. The prevalence of infected herds then decreased until 1994 when no infected herds were detected. However, the frequencies of infected herds were 0.02, 0.10 and 0.04% in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Epidemiological investigations proved that most of the BHV-1 infections since 1994 were caused either by illegal cattle imports or by legally imported animals provided with relevant certificates. Based on the description of BHV-1 infections on 7 holdings caused by intra-European Community trade, the additional guarantees granted under Directive 64/432/EEC (CEC, 1964) are discussed and measures for improved protection of BHV-1-free regions suggested.