Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) is the causative agent of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and is also associated with genital disease in cattle. BHV-1 transmission by artificial insemination (AI) may cause reproductive problems in inseminated cows, such as endometritis, infertility, embryonic absorption and abortion. Infected animals are lifelong reservoirs of BHV-1 and may go through intermittent episodes of virus reexcretion. It is important to note that conditions of semen storage are optimal for virus survival. Additionally, BHV-1 can be found in bovine semen despite of the development of neutralizing antibody. Since serological tests are not sufficient to ascertain the presence of the virus in semen, the laboratory testing of all semen batches for BHV-1 is the only way to ensure the BHV-1-free status of the semen for commercialization. Laboratory tests used for BHV-1 detection in bovine semen and additional approaches to prevent the spread of BHV-1 through AI are presented.
infectious bovine rhinotracheitis; bovine herpesvirus 1; semen; latency; artificial insemination