Scotland sees success of BVD eradication scheme as cases drop

Scotland is well on track to eradicate BVD from it national herd, according to recent figures.

Data from the Scottish government released last month shows that the level of exposure of the disease since the scheme was introduced in 2013 has reduced from 40% to about 10% of breeding herds having a “not negative” status.

The mandatory scheme requires testing of animals and has restrictions on selling stock and movement restrictions on infected stock.

See also: Joint approached needed to tackle BVD

Since 2013 almost 4,400 Persistently Infected (PI) animals have been identified and the vast majority of these have been removed.  

A spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “The results give us a great platform to continue working with our industry to control BVD and the industry is to be congratulated for their participation in the on-going fight against this economically important disease.”

However, they admit there is still work to be done. “Currently Scottish cattle keepers have 410 PIs alive on 167 holdings in Scotland.”

There are large regional differences in the levels of exposure to the disease, with South-West Scotland and Aberdeenshire showing the highest levels of exposure.