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BVD testing to become mandatory in Wales
In addition to improving herd health, the measures are expected to reduce the carbon footprint of herds.
New rules will be in force from 1 July 2024.

Annual testing for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is set to become mandatory in Wales as part of efforts to eradicate the disease in the country.

From 1 July 2024, keepers will be required to screen their heard annually for BVD by testing a small number of cattle. They will have until 1 July 2025 to complete their first annual test.

It will also be a legal requirement for keepers to isolate persistently infected animals from the rest of the herd for the remainder of the animals’ lives.

The rules have been introduced by the Welsh government with the eventual aim of eradicating the disease. Representatives from the cattle industry, with assistance from the Welsh government, will set up a Wales BVD governance body to support BVD eradication efforts.

As well as improving animal health, eradicating BVD from a typical Welsh herd of 40 cattle could also reduce the carbon footprint by around 70,200kg CO2e each year, according to the Welsh government.

From 2017 until 2022, free testing was available in Wales as part of the Gwaredu BVD screening programme. The scheme was funded by the Welsh government and managed in partnership by the Royal Veterinary College and Coleg Sir Gâr’s Agriculture Research Centre.

The scheme tested 85 per cent of cattle farms in Wales. While 27 per cent of farms had positive BVD results in 2018, this had reduced to 23 per cent by 2022.

Richard Irvine, chief veterinary officer for Wales, said: “The benefits of being BVD-free include increased cattle health, welfare, productivity and fertility. Eliminating BVD can reduce costs and the carbon footprint of your herd. Maintaining a BVD-free status strengthens the health and welfare of our cattle farms in Wales, and can also help reduce antibiotic usage.”

“Embarking on this next phase of the BVD eradication programme in Wales is a really important step. I would like to recognise the industry-led approach, backed up by this new BVD legislation.

"We can achieve eradication through the ongoing efforts of all cattle farmers, working closely with their vets, to screen and protect their herds from BVD.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.