The Scottish Government has taken another step towards the eradication of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) north of the border.
The ‘ambitious’ industry-led scheme, designed to save Scotland’s cattle industry as much as £80 million, will now enter its third phase at the turn of the new year.
As of January 1 new control measures including the ‘lock-down’ of persistently infected animals come into force, working towards the common goal of wiping out BVD in Scotland.
These measures include:
A restriction on the movement of animals infected with BVD.
The placing of temporary restrictions on holdings that have failed to test.
The declaration of BVD herd status prior to any movement from the herd.
“Eradicating BVD is an important step for the industry. To eliminate the threat of this disease will benefit farmers in terms of economic cost and welfare,” said Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.
Removing the disease from Scotland has the potential to save the cattle industry between £50m and £80m over a 10-year period, he said.
“BVD eradication can also improve herd health and reduce vets bills as well as reducing the use of antibiotics, which ultimately will help to reduce the risk of drug resistance,” he said.
NFU Scotland president and former vet Nigel Miller hailed the regulation as a “real step forward”.
“Taking a major risk out of the system, it is a significant milestone in the control programme and is a big step to eradicating the disease.
With more than 90% of all herds in Scotland having already complied with the mandatory testing under the second phase of the programme, this third phase which includes the lock-down of persistently infected animals is expected to receive a similar level of widespread support.
However, he conceded testing on some holdings still has to be resolved, with some farmers lagging beyond the timing period, and test times have run out.
“Farmers have had the chance for more than two years to screen their herds and have made real progress,” said Mr Miller.
“This second strand of the regulation will close down the risk from untested herds and close a pathway for disease to move and threaten herds that are part of the control programme.”
A system of pre-sale declaration will also coming into place in January.
“There are flexibilities which take account of additional or individual testing,” said Mr Miller. “Farmers who have worked hard to build a good herd status can select low-risk animals in the market, and feeders will also have that option.
“Eighty percent of the herds in Scotland are testing negative and the market will tend to favour animals that are low risk.
“This is an incentive for the last 20% to catch up.”
Ahead of the new year, guidance will be issued to all cattle farmers to ensure they are ready for the measures and aware of the requirements.
The scheme for eradication, launched by the Government in 2010, has been split into four stages in accordance with industry wishes:
One subsidised screening.
Two mandatory screening.
Three control measures.
Four biosecurity.
farming@thecourier.co.uk