BHV-1 infection in cattle : an update

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) infection represents an important example of virus-host interaction and a major disease affecting livestock. Although the infection is hardly life-threatening, the introduction of BHV-1 into a cattle farm can cause severe economic losses, due to the disease per se, as well as the consequent restrictions in the international trade of livestock. Progressive market integration within the European Union (EU) and market extension to include Eastern countries can certainly facilitate trade of cattle, semen, and embryos between member states. However, the diversity in status of animal health and the lack of common rules concerning disease prophylaxis and eradication still make BHV-1 a major concern for health and a key restriction in trading. This review focuses on the recent updates in BHV-1 virology and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR). Strategies aimed at limiting or preventing BHV-1 spread in cattle are also discussed