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Pioneering scheme to eradicate BVD in Wales
A new project is being launched to eradicate BVD in Wales.

All farms in Wales eligible to join

A new project is being launched today (25 July) at the Royal Welsh Show which aims to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) in Wales.

Entitled ‘Animal Health & Welfare Wales - Eradicating bovine viral diarrhoea in Wales,’ the project is a voluntary education programme that will help farmers identify herds infected with BVD.

It has been funded by a £9 million award from the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Programme and will be managed by Coleg Sir Gâr’s Agriculture Research Centre in partnership with the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

All cattle farms in Wales are eligible to be part of the project, regardless of their size.

Dr Neil Paton, lecturer in farm animal health and production at the RVC, has played a significant part in the project’s development and will act as the veterinary technical lead for its duration.

Dr Neil Paton, said: “BVD represents a significant drain on the UK cattle industry and is an unpleasant virus they face. This new disease eradication programme is the first industry driven initiative that aims to eradicate a disease in Wales. It is a strong sign of intent from the Welsh Government and its commitment to resolving this problem.”

John Griffiths, agriculture research centre manager based at Coleg Sir Gâr’s Gelli Aur campus who is also chair of Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework’s BVD eradication sub-group, said: “This new voluntary disease eradication programme will be conducted alongside Wales’s annual herd TB testing regime to help identify herds infected with BVD. Support will also be available to find the PI animals from infected herds.

“The testing phase will continue over a three-year period when complete we’ll hopefully be in an improved position with regards to BVD in Wales with the aim of making Wales BVD free.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.