This book contains 15 chapters and is the cumulative effort of 18 authors from across the United States, 1 author from Canada, and 2 authors from Europe. The editors are from the United States, and as such, the content of the text comes primarily from the experience and context of Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in North America.
The book begins with an interesting account of the history of the discoveries around BVDV during the last 60 years, organized by decade and by discipline. The history also acts as an introduction to the book, briefly mentioning seminal discoveries and where further details can be found in the textbook. This first chapter is followed by a description of the best available information on impacts of both transient and persistent infections. A very brief explanation of relevant epidemiological principles is also provided to assist readers in their understanding of how various researchers have reported these impacts. Given the level of detail provided on the impact of BVDV, these principles are a useful inclusion in the text.
For readers who have an interest in molecular biology and genetics, there are 2 chapters that summarize what is currently known regarding how BVDV replicates, and the major mutations that have developed leading to the current classification systems of BVDV. Later in the book, there is another chapter describing the interactions between BVDV and its hosts at the cellular and molecular levels. These 3 chapters are highly technical; therefore, the majority of their content is more appropriate for researchers than veterinary practitioners. However, they do provide some useful background information for subsequent chapters.
Three chapters provide information on viral transmission, pathogenesis, and clinical features of BVDV infections. Two chapters then provide detailed description of how BVDV wreaks havoc on body functions, specifically in reproductive disease and persistent infections, and immunity and immunosuppression. Unfortunately, there is substantial redundancy among these chapters; there could have been a more concise presentation of this material.
With the previous chapters providing great detail on information needed to develop successful control strategies of BVDV, the final 3 substantive chapters concentrate on management systems and control programs for BVDV, including appropriate diagnostic tests and the use of vaccines. A full chapter on diagnosis of both transient and persistent BVDV infections is included, providing the latest information on available tests. The chapter clearly guides the reader toward successfully identifying a BVDV infection. There is also a full chapter on control strategies for BVDV, with informative tables and descriptions on how this could be accomplished in dairy herds, in cow-calf herds, and in feedlots. In addition, 1 short chapter discusses how non-bovine domestic and wild ruminants and swine may pose a concern for disrupting management attempts to control the diseases caused by BVDV in cattle.
There has been a large amount of research on BVDV during the last 60 years, and this book does a good job of summarizing our current understanding of BVDV. Many of the tables and figures will make the vagaries of the virus clearer to the reader. The level of detail will likely satisfy researchers who would like a better understanding of other aspects of BVDV outside their areas of expertise. Veterinary practitioners who want to know how to control BVDV and the rationale behind control programs can also make good use of this book.