Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis: strategies in Europe

Abstract Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a viral contagious infectious disease affecting the bovine species. The etiological agent is Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) which belongs to the family Herpesviridae. Several European states have adopted or are adopting eradication plans both on a voluntary and mandatory basis. The Directive n. 64/432/CEE, supplemented by the subsequent provisions, provides that the Member States that prepare a mandatory national plan for the eradication of one of the diseases contained in Part II of Annex E, may request the Commission to approve it. Also, in the recent EU Reg. N. 429/2016 - Animal Health Law - the IBR is not included in the list of infectious diseases subject to mandatory notification. This leads to a considerable disparity between the Member States and problems concerning international exchanges.