The number of BVD positive herds in 2019 could fall to about 400, half the number of 2018, according to chief executive of Animal Health Ireland David Graham. “Progress continues to be made in the programme, with the numbers of PIs alive currently at historically low levels,” Graham said. “But inevitably as we move into another calving season, further PIs, created in utero in 2018, will be identified.
The number of BVD positive herds in 2019 could fall to about 400, half the number of 2018, according to chief executive of Animal Health Ireland David Graham.
“Progress continues to be made in the programme, with the numbers of PIs alive currently at historically low levels,” Graham said. “But inevitably as we move into another calving season, further PIs, created in utero in 2018, will be identified.
“As the programme moves towards eradication, it is vital that these herds are identified as quickly as possible following the birth of PI calves and that requires prompt testing.
“PI calves [should] then be removed as rapidly as possible following identification and appropriate biosecurity measures are put in place to minimise the risk of onward spread to other herds. That includes possible spread through the movement of pregnant cattle carrying PI calves (Trojans).”
He said herds which are currently free of the disease need to review their own biosecurity to avoid accidental reintroduction.
Around 7,000 herds do not have negative herd status, due to the presence of animals whose status is unknown.
“Herdowners need to test these animals,” David Graham said.
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