Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 (BoHV-1) is an infectious agent of major sanitary relevance for cattle farming, being the primary cause of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). It is a virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae, widely distributed in cattle herds worldwide, with significant impacts on production, reproduction, and animal health.
BoHV-1 infection can manifest in various clinical forms, including respiratory signs such as fever, nasal discharge, cough, and conjunctivitis, as well as genital lesions associated with Infectious Pustular Vulvovaginitis (IPV) and Infectious Pustular Balanoposthitis (IPB). In pregnant females, the virus can lead to temporary infertility, embryonic resorption, and abortions, resulting in significant reproductive losses.
A striking characteristic of BoHV-1 is its ability to establish latent infection. Following the initial infection, the virus can remain inactive within the animal’s body, primarily in the nerve ganglia, and may be reactivated during stressful situations such as transport, parturition, or intensive management. During reactivation, the animal can shed the virus once again, even in the absence of evident clinical signs.
Transmission of BoHV-1 occurs primarily through direct contact between animals via respiratory, ocular, and genital secretions, as well as the shared use of contaminated equipment and the introduction of infected animals into the herd. Consequently, the movement of animals without sanitary control represents a significant risk factor for the spread of the disease.
Prevention and control of BoHV-1 infection are based on the adoption of integrated biosecurity measures, such as animal movement control, quarantine of newly acquired animals, and proper sanitary management. Vaccination is a widely used tool to reduce the occurrence of clinical signs and viral shedding, although it does not completely prevent infection or the establishment of latency.
In this context, laboratory testing plays a fundamental role in the epidemiological surveillance of BoHV-1. Serological tests allow for the identification of animals exposed to the virus, while molecular methods, such as PCR, enable the direct detection of viral genetic material. The identification and monitoring of infected animals are essential for the implementation of effective control strategies.
Continuous epidemiological surveillance, combined with diagnostic, vaccination, and biosecurity programs, is indispensable for reducing the circulation of BoHV-1 in herds. These actions contribute to the reduction of economic losses, the improvement of animal productive and reproductive performance, and the strengthening of the sustainability of the cattle production chain.
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In this context, the Bioperfectus Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 (BoHV-1) rapid test represents a practical screening tool to support sanitary surveillance in cattle herds. The application of the rapid test enables the agile identification of suspected animals directly in the field, including asymptomatic carriers or those in the viral reactivation phase, aiding in immediate decision-making such as segregation, movement control, adjustments in reproductive management, and referral for confirmatory laboratory tests. In this way, the rapid test complements conventional diagnostic methods, contributing to the early detection of infection, the reduction of BoHV-1 dissemination, and the strengthening of control strategies for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis.
