Movement restrictions and compulsory declarations of BVD status to be implemented

JANUARY 2014 will see the Scottish Government introduce phase three of its bovine viral diarrhoea eradication scheme.

According to the Government's eradication plan, measures have to be put in place to stop the spread of BVD infection, as eradication cannot be achieved through testing alone.

The two most important factors are to stop the movement of bovine viral disease virus-infected cattle (BVDV) and help keepers reduce the chances of buying in the disease.

Initially, the scheme will focus on stopping the movement of knowingly infected BVD cattle via a ban. Persistently infected cattle are the most significant method of transmission of the disease, and when they are removed from the herd, the disease will die out.

The Scottish Government intends to make it an offence to sell or move any animal that the keeper knows is infected with BVDV – both persistently infected and transiently infected animals. The results of virus tests will be received at approved laboratories, and will be monitored through the cattle tracing system if animals that have tested positive for virus are being moved.

Keepers of breeding herds will have to declare the status of any animals presented at sale. The requirement for keepers to declare their most recent BVD findings/status in advance of any animal movement will allow potential purchasers and interested parties to ascertain the BVD status of the herd or animal.

Should the keeper of the animals fail to carry out the mandatory testing requirements for BVD, movement restrictions will be enforced until the keeper has complied with the requirements.

Further measures may be introduced from December 2014, details of which may be found on the Scottish Government website.

The BVA has said it will give its full support to the control measures. Guidance is being issued to all farmers and BVA is urging veterinary surgeons in Scotland to make sure they are ready to support theirfarming clients to comply with the new measures.

Ronnie Soutar, president of BVA Scottish branch, said:

"BVD can be a crippling disease on farms, causing reproductive problems
such as abortion and infertility, failure to thrive, and fatalities.

"We are pleased that more than 90 per cent of herds complied with mandatory testing
in phase two, demonstrating the desire from industry to tackle the
disease head on.

"Vets in Scotland will be ready to offer ongoing advice and support to
clients on all aspects of disease eradication, including testing and
biosecurity."

For more information on the BVD scheme in Scotland, visit www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/disease/bvd/eradication/ProDec2012