Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is a disease of cattle which reduces productivity and increases death loss. As it currently stands there is no medication or antivirus to cure the debilitating disease, the only options are to breed it out or start a vaccination program to protect against it.
BVD has been identified as an industry priority given its potentially significant financial cost to the dairy and beef sectors. A study from SAC in 2009 demonstrated that up to 40% of dairy and beef herds in Scotland had been exposed to BVD. The introduction of the BVD Eradication Scheme in September 2010 showed a commitment between the Scottish government and the livestock industry to eradicate the problem from Scotland.
Last week (June 1st 2015) phase four of the scheme began, the final phase in a four part scheme. Now, in addition to the current annual screening and restrictions on BVD infected animals, there are movement restrictions on ‘not negative’ herds:
For a negative status to be maintained, annual testing must be carried out. The test period must not extend more than 13 months apart or the status will change to suspended and movement restrictions will apply. BVD Eradication Scheme approved testing includes:
Check test (antibody)
Calf screen
All animals
It is no longer satisfactory to use bulk milk sample tests. The decision has been made that they are too sensitive and can react with historic infection and vaccination giving misleading results.
McCaskie Agriculture can provide you with BVD tissue test tags for your herd. When purchasing the tags we offer the option of tag and test. In this you receive relevant paperwork and directions for sending tissue samples direct to a lab for testing, all included in one cost. Alternatively you can buy the tags and send the samples to an approved laboratory of your choice. For more information on our service email or call one of our specialist team members at agriculture@mccaskie.co.uk or 01786 474 481.
Alternatively, you can view the Scottish Government phase four farmer’s guidance brochure here.