The 2nd edition of this book is a welcome addition to veterinary texts on diseases of cattle. The book is geared to provide updated general information on bovine viral diseases for veterinary professionals, animal scientists, and regulatory and trade officials. The author's attempt to incorporate the vast knowledge gained in virology, immunology, and molecular biology, since the first edition of this book was published in 1981, has been an ambitious and challenging task. However, the significance of recent complex changes in the fields of animal sciences, public concerns about food safety, and globalization of free-market access to cattle and their products are well reflected and discussed in every disease throughout the book.
Following several introductory reviews on general topics, including Concepts for Studying Viral Infections, The Epidemiology of Bovine Viral Infections, Diagnostic and Investigative Techniques, Vaccines and Vaccination, etc., the information is adequately presented throughout the text. Presented in easy-to-read point form under the title for each disease, the following topics are covered: etiology, clinical signs and lesions, epidemiology, immunology, virus persistence, prevention and control, therapy and management of the outbreak, likelihood of eradication, impact on international trade, public responsibility, areas in need of research, and references. There are several new chapters in the 2nd edition of the book; these include Bovine Lentivirus, Disinfectants and Disinfection, Impact of Viral Diseases on International Trade, and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, a recently described disease caused by an unconventional infectious agent, prion. There is a comprehensive index in this book, which facilitates retrieval of information by readers. There are no illustrations or photographs.
In short, the book does fulfill the mandate set by the author in the preface: “This edition, like the first edition, is intended as a readily understandable reference and study guide for anyone requiring quick access to species-orientated disease-specific information.” Any veterinary practitioner, laboratory diagnostician, animal scientist, or regulatory and trade specialist will surely benefit from having this book within easy reach. It is a “must-have” for any veterinary and medical library.