BRSV DIVA vaccines

Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) is the single most important viral respiratory pathogen of calves causing high morbidity and mortality in the European cattle industry. The extensive use of antibiotics to control secondary infections following BRSV increases the likelihood of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Consequently, the impact of BRSV on economics, animal welfare and public health makes the control of this virus a high priority. To control BRSV, sanitary measures need to be combined with effective vaccination. However, current vaccines are unsatisfactory, especially in young calves with maternally derived antibodies (MDA).

This project will enable identification of the most appropriate vaccine to control BRSV infection.

The DIVA approach will allow vaccine evaluation in the field and sero-epidemiological investigations. It will also provide key tools for any future control programme.

Financier: This a workpackage of an EMIDA ERA-NET project coordinated by Sara Hägglund (SLU)
Co-applicant: Sara Hägglund (SLU), Sabine Riffault(INRA France), JF Eléouët (INRA, France)and Geraldine Taylor (Pirbright Institute)