Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex Testing Incentive

ISU VDL is offering an incentive in order to advance our understanding of the role of Bovine Coronavirus (BoCV) in the Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRDC).

Guidelines to receive credit:

Cattle Inclusion Criteria:

Between 6 weeks and 6 months of age
Have clinical respiratory signs
Whole body submitted to the ISU VDL for a respiratory workup

Program Incentives:

Necropsy fee waived – $50 value
Free Bovine Respiratory Panel PCR (Viral & Bacterial) – $80 value
Histology Interpretation fee waived – $40 value

In total, we are proposing $170 in savings to your clients if submitted animals meet the inclusion criteria.

BRDC is one of the most significant and costly diseases affecting cattle, particularly in North America. It is estimated to cause $900 million in annual economic losses within the US and raises additional concerns regarding antimicrobial stewardship. BoCV is a widespread pathogen in cattle that affects both the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. While respiratory infections caused by BoCV are generally considered low mortality, the virus has a predilection for tissues with high concentration of goblet cells. Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells found throughout the respiratory tract, along with other organ systems, who’s primary role is the secretion of mucins. These mucins trap dust, pathogens, and other particulates, maintain moisture within the airway, and facilitate mucociliary clearance. By targeting goblet cells and potentially disrupting innate respiratory defenses, such as the mucus mat, BoCV infection may predispose animals to bacterial bronchopneumonia.

The overall objective is to characterize BoCV involvement in BRDC and the pathology within the upper respiratory tract with particular attention to mucin producing cells.

Thank you for your participation and help in advancing the understanding of cattle disease diagnostics.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact: Dr. Hannah Seger (515) 294-3702 or hlseger@iastate.edu and Dr. Darin Madson (515) 294-9808 or madson@iastate.edu.