Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 21st October 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Defra announces six-month extension to BVD Stamp it Out scheme
The programme has been extended beyond its initial December 2020 deadline, to June of 2021.

£5.7 million project supports farmers across England 

The BVD Stamp it Out initiative, which aims to tackle bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) in cattle, has been extended by six months in England as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched by Defra in 2018, the project is delivered by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). 120 veterinary practices were recruited in the first six months of the programme, to deliver the programme to farmers across the country.

According to SRUC, feedback suggests the project has had a hugely positive impact. With 100 per cent of respondents believing they are in a better position to eradicate the disease at farm level.

Unfortunately, restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have meant that veterinary professionals have been less able to visit farms to deliver the project. For this reason, Defra has extended the BVD Stamp it Out deadline to June of 2021.

Neil Carter, project manager at SAC Consulting, said: “We built some real momentum through 2019 and early 2020, and with 5,500 farmers enrolled in the project, we are well on the way to engaging the target of 8,000 herds across England.

“This extension gives vet practices the chance to complete the process for those involved and engage another 2,500 farmers into the mix.”

The programme provides farmers with funded time with their vet, £61.80 for preliminary testing work, and up to £440 in cases where there is evidence of persistently infected animals.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “This scheme is an excellent opportunity to tackle BVD.  I encourage farmers and vets who have not already done so, to take advantage of this extension to the project and sign up now to benefit.”

Image (c) SRUC.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.