Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)

Keep IBR out: how to keep cow flu off your farm

IBR, also known as cow flu, spreads fast and hits hard. One infected animal, one dirty boot, or one careless visitor can bring the virus onto your farm.
The impact? Sick animals, significant milk loss, and export restrictions.

The solution: tight hygiene and strong biosecurity.

What is the cause of IBR?

IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis) is caused by the Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 (BoHV-1). It mainly affects the respiratory system but can also cause fertility issues and abortion.

How does IBR (cow flu) spread?

IBR spreads through:

Direct cow-to-cow contact.
Air droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Contaminated tools, boots, or vehicles.
Semen or contact during transport or mating.

Once infected, cattle become lifelong carriers. Stress or movement can reactivate the virus, often without clear symptoms.

What are the symptoms of IBR in cows?

Coughing and heavy breathing (advanced)
Drop in milk yield or calf deaths (advanced)
Red or crusted nose (early)
Watery discharge from eyes and nose (early)
Fever and reduced appetite (early)

Practical steps to keep IBR off your farm

Introduce a color-coding system

Prevent the spread by not using the same materials for all age groups. By introducing a color-coding system, you can ensure that tools and clothing are used exclusively for one specific animal group. This helps prevent the transmission of the virus between groups.How to set-up a colour system

Personal hygiene

Control who and what comes onto your farm. Implement hygiene protocols for everyone working on, entering, or visiting the farm. Do not use equipment that has been used on other farms.How to set-up a hygiene protocol for visitors

Cleaning & disinfection

Make sure to regularly clean and disinfect pens and equipment used on your farm to prevent the spread of the virus. Cleaning and disinfection go hand in hand, and both are equally important. How to clean and disinfect a dairy barn

Separate different animal groups

Protect your calves. Animals that are persistently infected can transmit the virus to newborn calves. Also ensure there is no contact with pregnant cattle or between calves to reduce the risk of infection. Furthermore, introduce compartmentalization and organize your workflow to begin with young cows and end with older ones. Keep sick animals separate from the rest.

Other farmers are using:

Disinfection is your strongest weapon. Choose a product that kills the IBR virus quickly. MS MegaDes Novo destroys the IBR virus in just 5 minutes, while others take up to 30.

View Product (MS MegaDes Novo)

How it works