The Economics of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Control in United States Cow–Calf Production

This study evaluates the costs associated with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) control strategies for cow–calf producers and aims to identify minimum viable premiums to induce control measures. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate the cost of control strategies, risk of BVDV outbreak, and BVDV-attributed production losses. We find that the price premiums needed to induce enhanced BVDV control by cow–calf producers range from $8.41 to $35.52 per head. Additionally, management of larger herds are more likely to adopt rigorous control protocols due to the increased likelihood of PI exposure and ability to absorb additional costs.