Current epidemiological situation of bovine viral diarrhea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis in Colombia

Viral diseases such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) impact livestock production, causing significant economic losses in dairy and beef cattle, due to reproductive and respiratory issues. This research aims to identify risk factors contributing to the occurrence of IBR and BVD in the department of Huila, and to determine biosecurity measures for effective management in livestock production. The sampling was made on 360 cattle across 24 municipalities with blood samples tested for BVD and IBR antibodies using ELISA. Of the 360 samples analyzed, 52.7% tested positive for BVD, 55.6% for IBR, and 31.1% for both. Key risk factors identified included estrus detection, contact with neighboring animals, and limited access restrictions for BVD. In contrast, IBR risk factors involved animal purchases, contact with neighboring herds, and infrastructure like footbaths. Protective factors including regular pregnancy diagnostics, tool disinfection, and animal isolation protocols. This descriptive research highlights the importance of managing IBR and BVD in livestock, identifying a lack of awareness and farming practices especially in prevention, sanitation, and biosecurity as critical issues impacting production.