DTD 5 Characteristics in the epidemiology of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) of relevance to control A. Lindberg a, * , H. Houe b a Swedish Dairy Association, Research and Development, P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden b Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Grønnegaardsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Received 29 November 2004; received in revised form 5 July 2005; accepted 12 July 2005 Abstract An understanding of the driving forces of BVDV transmission can be gained by considering the reproductive rate, between individuals and between herds. The former determines the prospects for eliminating the infection from herds, and the latter is the key to persistence at the population level. In this paper, the relation between these two characteristics, their underlying parameters and measures and priorities for BVDV control are discussed. A general model for BVDV control is outlined, with bio-security, virus elimination and monitoring as three necessary consecutive elements, and with immunization as an optional step. A distinction is made between systematic and non-systematic approaches to BVDV control (where the former refers to a monitored and goal-oriented reduction in the incidence and prevalence of BVDV infection and the latter to where measures are implemented on a herd-to-herd decision basis and without systematic monitoring in place). Predictors of progress for systematic control approaches in general are discussed in terms of the abilities: to prevent new infections, to rapidly detect new cases of infection, to take action in infected herds and to gain acceptance by stakeholders. We conclude that an understanding not only of the biology, but also of the social factors – human behavior, the motives that makes stakeholders follow advice and the cultural differences in this respect – are important factors in forming recommendations on alternative strategies for BVDV control. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Keywords: Reproductive rate; Eradication; Transmission; Infection; Pestivirus www.elsevier.com/locate/prevetmed Preventive Veterinary Medicine xxx (2005) xxx–xxx * Corresponding author. Tel.: +46 18 67 23 04; fax: +46 18 67 35 45. E-mail address: ann.lindberg@svenskmjolk.se (A. Lindberg). 0167-5877/$ – see front matter # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2005.07.018 PREVET-2103; No of Pages 19