BVD Eradication Scheme

Current Rules and Regulations

Currently all farmers with breeding herds to carry out an annual herd screening test for BVDV. This test may be carried out from 1st December 2011.  This will establish whether a herd is negative for evidence of BVDV infection or not negative. Where herds are identified as “not-negative” it is intended that they will, through proposed future legislation, face restrictions on animal movements and will be required to protect their neighbours from infection. This allows farmers wanting to eradicate BVDV from their herd to do so without worrying about the risk of re-infection from a neighbouring farm or from purchased stock. These restrictions will be in place by December 2012.

Eradicating BVDV should increase efficiency and profitability of cattle farming, as it would decrease mortality and increase fertility. It is calculated that on average BVD infection costs farmers £37/cow/year. An average dairy herd could benefit by £15,800 per year, while a specialist beef farm could benefit by £2,400 per year.

What Animals need tested?

Dairy

• 4 Quarterly bulk milk tests
• 1 bulk milk test, with blood or tissue from all dry cows
• Bulk milk test from all first lactation cows

Beef

• Test 5 calves aged 9-18 months in each separately managed group
• Ear notch tissue test all calves born in the year

All calves born to other types of herd must be tested shortly after birth (eg fattening units)

If you are concerned that your farm may be infected with BVD please contact the surgery so we can make early plans to diagnose and then eradicate the disease.

PLEASE NOTE:  Diagnoses is easy – eradication is hard