Florida's prevalence rate of positive horses continues to be well below that of the national average. The bureau recently printed quarantine placards to be posted on all approved quarantine premises in order to inform the public of the existence of these animals. This system will also be utilized for maintaining information relative to the Pseudorabies Eradication and Equine Infectious Anemia Control Programs. The signs of disease can be peracute and highly fatal, however, most infections are mild and not recognized clinically. There are many BVDV strains that are grouped into two genotypes, BVDV Type 1 and Type 2.
Infection is spread primarily by contact between cattle.
Such animals do not mount an effective immune response and shed large numbers of BVDV throughout their lives. The birth of PI calves is significant because a pathway is established whereby the virus is able to persist in a herd and spread horizontally and vertically to future generations of cattle. Procedures used for detecting PI animals and control of BVD must be economically feasible. A scheme which will not overlook a single PI carrier and eliminate BVD, although ideal, may not be realistic in every instance. The Kissimmee Laboratory performs tests for detection of PI animals.