Major step towards eradication of BVD

A BVD implementation group has been created with members drawn from Veterinary Ireland, IFA, ICMSA, ICOS, pedigree cattle breed societies, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, and ICBF.

The group met for the first time on May 16 and will continue to meet every three weeks for the remainder of the year, to oversee planning for a BVD eradication programme to begin in 2012.

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is an economically important disease on Irish farms, and has been identified by industry as a priority for action by Animal Health Ireland (AHI), the industry-led, not-for-profit partnership between livestock farmers, processors, service providers and government, which aims to improve the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of livestock farmers and related industries through superior animal health.

AHI CEO Joe O’Flaherty said the BVD initiative is a unique and exciting test of the ability of the industry working together to eradicate an economically important disease.

“Although many of the details have yet to be resolved, all parties are agreed that the national identification tag, modified to enable the taking of a tissue sample for BVD testing, will play a key role in the programme.”

“No matter what shape the programme takes, however, it can only be successful if it has the support and engagement of all stakeholders” said Mr O’Flaherty.