Calves in Himachal Pradesh Face Hidden Lung Threat

In the lush hills of Himachal Pradesh, a sneaky virus is causing trouble for young cows. This isn't just any virus—it's the bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). It's a big deal because it messes with the lungs, making it hard for calves to breathe. What's worse, this virus doesn't get as much attention as it should, especially in India.

Researchers Take a Closer Look

Researchers decided to take a closer look. They studied calves under one year old, checking their lungs and other tissues for signs of BRSV. They collected samples from both sick and healthy-looking calves. What they found wasn't pretty:

• The virus was causing serious damage, like making the lungs stiff and full of scars.
• Under the microscope, they saw cells clumping together and lots of inflammation.

How Common Is This Virus?

The big question is how common this virus is. The study found that:

• About half of the calves that died had BRSV.
• Even among the ones that seemed okay, nearly a quarter tested positive.

This means the virus is lurking around, waiting to strike.

Economic Impact

This isn't just a health issue—it's an economic one too. When calves get sick, farmers lose money. The study makes it clear that we need better ways to spot and treat this virus fast. Otherwise, it could keep hurting both the cows and the people who depend on them.