Compulsory programme to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea by 2013

A NATIONAL programme of eradication of bovine viral diarrhoea in Irish cattle is likely to become compulsory by 2013, according to Animal Health Ireland (AHI).

AHI is the industry-led, not-for-profit partnership between livestock farmers, processors, service providers and the Government, which aims to improve the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of livestock farmers and related industries through superior animal health.

AHI envisages three years of tissue-tag testing of calves followed by a further three years of surveillance based on bulk milk tank testing or targeted blood sampling. Herds with negative tissue-tag test results would require minimal further sampling at the end of the three-year intensive sampling period, whereas herds with positive tests during this period (estimated to be 25% of herds) would require additional testing to identify and remove any further persistently infected cattle.