70% of the Hungarian herds are seropositive for BVD. This is the outcome of a recently published nation-wide BVD monitoring survey carried out by researchers at the Szent István University and the National Food Chain Safety Office of the Veterinary Directorate in Budapest. 41% of the herds were found to be highly seropositive and are very likely to have PI offspring each year or may have purchased infected animals. 18% of the herds are so called “problem herds” with 100% seropositivity which would benefit most from eradication and control programs on farm level. Although about one third of the cattle-keeping units are BVDV-free, these farms are run the risk of getting infected.
Economic studies on BVD in Hungary estimate that the annual risk of introduction of the BVD virus into intact herds ranges between 30-50%. With regard to the enormous economic costs in case of initial outbreaks of the virus in seronegative herds, preventative measures to protect these herds should have first priority.This prevalence survey is the first representative study since thirty years. 1200 blood samples from 54 cattle herds throughout the country were analyzed.