Abstract
Viral Diseases of Cattle is a refreshingly unique and comprehensive text addressing a variety of disciplines associated with bovine viral diseases. The book has eight introductory chapters followed by 24 more chapters on the specific diseases. The introductory chapters—viruses and virology; concepts for studying viral infection; epidemiology; diagnostic techniques; vaccines; clinical manifestations; disinfectants; and impact on international trade—are not only eminently readable but downright eloquent. The latter two chapters are additions to the previous edition and should be required reading for anyone dealing with herd health or production animal medicine. In particular, the chapter on international trade simplifies an incredibly complex area that is rarely communicated in routine training yet of the utmost important to our clients and therefore our profession. Within each of the disease-specific chapters, there are subheadings for etiology, clinical signs, postmortem lesions, laboratory diagnostics, epidemiology, and prevention and information. Dr. Kahrs, ever the consummate professor, walks the reader through each of these areas in logical and coherent fashion. In addition, for each disease chapter, there are four novel subheadings added—likelihood of eradication; impact on international trade; public responsibility; and areas in need of reseach. These latter four categories serve to take the veterinarian past the traditional/technical and into the important arenas of public heath, impact, and economics. Essentially, Dr. Kahrs has provided valuable contextual information, putting all the trees together to show us the forest.
The table of contents and associated subheadings make the whole text very easy to navigate. The index is thorough and easy to use. Undoubtedly, this book will enhance the shelf of many diagnostic pathologists. Although there are other texts dealing in more detail with pathologic aspects of these viral diseases, the perspective that Dr. Kahrs provides will be invaluable in communicating with referring veterinarians and producers.