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Wales to consult on BVD eradication scheme
The current voluntary scheme has seen more than 80 per cent of Wales' cattle herd screened for BVD.

The scheme aims to eliminate Persistently Infected animals from Welsh herds.

The Welsh Government is to consult on proposals for a compulsory scheme to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in the country.

Under the scheme, cattle keepers would be required to test their herds annually for BVD and take steps to isolate Persistently Infected (PI) animals. Herds that test positive will be subject to movement restrictions until they are clear. 

The scheme aims to eliminate PI animals from Welsh herds, which will eventually lead to the disease's progressive extinction. In other regions of the United Kingdom, similar programmes are either being planned or are already in existence. 

A current voluntary scheme, due to end in early 2023, has seen more than 80 per cent of Wales' cattle herd screened for BVD. However, PI's under this scheme do not need to be removed from the herd and can be sold on. 

Rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths urged cattle keepers and anyone with an interest in the dairy and beef industries to participate in the consultation. 

“We already have a very high take-up in the voluntary BVD scheme in Wales, and the next step to completely eradicate this disease here is to consider making the scheme compulsory,” she said. “As a result of the high take up of the voluntary scheme, many cattle keepers will be familiar with the requirements of testing.

“Eradicating the disease will improve animal health and welfare and improve productivity on the farm.”

For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit gov.wales

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.