Through genetic engineering, scientists seem to be able to reduce the huge losses suffered by cattle farmers due to the highly contagious disease Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV). It is genetic engineering that will make it possible to eliminate the disease from cattle herds.

A team of scientists led by Dr Aspen Workman from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has developed the first genetically modified calf resistant to bovine viral diarrhoea virus.

This discovery is a major breakthrough in livestock technology that has the potential to improve animal welfare, promote the long-term sustainability of livestock farming and reduce the need for antibiotics in cattle.

Infection with BVDV can lead to respiratory disease, bloody diarrhoea, mouth ulcers and acute fever in beef and dairy cattle. In addition, BVDV-infected calf cows can pass the virus to their offspring, which carries and spreads the virus throughout their lives, making control of the disease even more difficult.