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There are several techniques available for the laboratory diagnosis of BVD. These can detect antibody to BVDV, or parts of the virus itself.

There are several techniques available for the laboratory diagnosis of BVD. These can detect antibody to BVDV, or parts of the virus itself.

Tests that detect anti-BVDV antibody include the serum neutralisation test, and an ELISA³⁴. The serum neutralisation test depends on the ability of antibodies in the serum to neutralise BVD virus and thereby prevent infection of cell culture. The test takes four to seven days to obtain a result and requires cell culture facilities and an experienced observer. ELISA

Tests that detect anti-BVDV antibody include the serum neutralisation test, and an ELISA³⁴. The serum neutralisation test depends on the ability of antibodies in the serum to neutralise BVD virus and thereby prevent infection of cell culture. The test takes four to seven days to obtain a result and requires cell culture facilities and an experienced observer. The ELISA detects anti-BVDV antibody when it binds to a specifica viral antigen. The test is completed within one day and is simple to perform. Because antibody against BVDV is prevalent in most cattle populations, a single serologic test is not usually sufficient for diagnosis. Therefore, an increase in antibody titre between paired serum samples must be more than four-fold to confirm recent infection³⁹.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique

for BVD virus antibodies that depends on binding of antibody

to specific BVD virus antigen has been developed. The test

takes one day. It requires purified ingredients but is simple to

operate and the results can, if necessary, be recorded by eye.

Because antibody against BVDV is prevalent in most cattle populations, a single serologic test is seldom sufficient for diagnosis. A >4-fold increase in antibody titer in paired serum samples obtained 2 more weeks apart is necessary to verify recent infection