Diseases of Cattle: Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (commonly called IBR or red nose) is an acute, contagious virus disease of cattle.  Often implicated as an infection which initiates the shipping fever complex.  This infection usually occurs in the air passages of the head and the wind pipe.  However, in females this virus also causes inflammation of the vulva and vagina and abortion. Abortion occurs about 20 to 45 days after infection.

Cattle of all ages that have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from the disease are susceptible to IBR.  The use of modified live vaccines on non-immune pregnant cows or on animals in contact with pregnant cows could possibly cause abortion.  An intranasal vaccine is available that can be used on pregnant cows, if necessary.  It is advisable that heifers be vaccinated or revaccinated 30 to 60 days before breeding.

Many IBR vaccines include the entire IBR/PI3/BRSV/BVD shipping fever complex.