Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has a history of detrimentally affecting beef cattle production. Beef cattle veterinarians have an opportunity to utilize tools such as the veterinary decision making process to minimize the negative effects that BVDV has on profitability within individual cowherd. Herd history, health and performance information can serve as the framework for assessing current BVDV status. Basic biosecurity principles can be implemented to cost-effectively manage the virus within the beef herd.