New BVD eradication scheme to reward farmers for early participation

THE benefits of taking part in the voluntary phase of a national BVD eradication programme, which will start next January, were spelled out when details of the programme were announced at the Ploughing Championships.

The programme will consist of three years of tissue tag testing of calves, followed by three years of surveillance based around bulk milk tank testing or targeted blood sampling. Herds with clear tissue tag test results will 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) will require additional testing to identify and remove any further PI cattle.

The ear notch tissue tags will form part of the official identity tagging process. Results from the tissue tag tests will be sent to ICBF, who will then notify the farmer.