Although the number of BVD ‘not-negative’ herds and the number of PI cattle is reducing, new BVD outbreaks are still occurring and demonstrate the industry cannot afford to be complacent in the fight against this disease.

That was the stark warning from vet David Allen of Galedin Vets, in the Borders, who pointed out that Scottish farmers had made huge strides in recent years

“Scotland is a significant way into its journey to BVD-free status,” he said.

“Back in 2013, 60% of herds were already free of BVD – this is now up to 90%, with some areas even higher. Here in the Scottish Borders for example, 95% of herds are now BVD negative.”

However, despite many herds working hard to eradicate BVD, there have been a number of occasions in which previously negative herds have become infected.

“Obviously, if your herd has negative status, you want to maintain that. When routine testing and surveillance reveal the virus or, even worse, you experience a BVD breakdown, it is really bad news,” Mr Allen adds.

“Sometimes this is due to untested cattle being brought in, but we have also seen BVD breakdowns in closed herds. In this case, the finger is usually pointed at neighbouring cattle and over-the-fence contact,” he said.

“Your herd may well be negative, but if your in-calf cows and heifers can touch noses with other stock, then there is a risk of BVD infection.

“What’s more, you could be completely unaware this has happened meaning the problem could go undetected until your next calf crop is screened,” added Mr Allen, who pointed out the following key points:

• Remember to screen for BVD at least annually, or more often in herds calving year-round

• If your herd is classed not-negative or positive, then you must take steps to find and remove PI animals

• If you are using tag tests, then make sure every calf is tested – don’t forget that any inconclusive calves will need to be re-tested by your vet

• BVD can cause aborted or stillborn calves – these can be tested by your local vet lab

• If you do find PI calves, don’t be tempted to keep them, no matter how healthy they look. They will inevitably die sooner or later and, in the meantime, will have spread BVD virus everywhere

• Ensure all bought in stock is BVD free; check the status of bought -in stock online using the ScotEID database. If in doubt, isolate and test. If you buy in-calf cows, then remember that once the calf is born it should be tested too

• Take steps to prevent nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring cattle, especially your in-calf cows

• Vaccinate all breeding stock annually in accordance with the data sheet – if BVD enters then the virus will spread quickly in an un-vaccinated herd.