The BVD eradication programme will continue in 2019, with funding from the Department of Agriculture for removal of PI (persistently infected) calves. The national Bovine Viral Disease (BVD) Eradication Programme achieved savings in excess of €85m in 2018, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said. The incidence of PIs fell to 0.06% in 2018 from 0.66% in 2013. This was the first year of the compulsory phase of the eradication programme.

“The DAFM supports were helping the eradication effort. In addition, the automatic restriction of herds with retained PIs had proven very effective,” Minister Creed said.

Supports

The supports available in 2019 for early removal of PI calves will be:

Dairy

  • €160 if the female dairy and dairy-cross calves are removed within 10 days of the first positive or inconclusive test. Previously this was €150 for removal within 21 days.
  • €30 if the female dairy and dairy-cross calves are removed between day 11 and 21 of the first positive or inconclusive test. In 2018, this was €35 for removal within 22 and 35 days of the first positive test.
  • €30 towards the disposal of dairy bull calves through the abattoir or knackery within 14 days of the first positive or inconclusive test. This is the same payment as in 2018 but with seven days less to get the calf off the farm.

    • Beef

  • €220 if the calf is removed within 10 days of the first positive or inconclusive test. Previously the farmer received €185 to remove the calf within 21 days.
  • €30 if the calf is removed between day 11 and 21 of the first positive or inconclusive test. In 2018 you received €60 if the calf was removed between day 22 and 35 of the first positive test.

    • Herd restrictions

    In a further tightening of the eradication effort in 2019, the system of automatic restrictions and notification of neighbours will now apply at three weeks following the date of the original positive or inconclusive test in the event that a date of death is not recorded on AIM by that time. Up until now this only applied at five weeks.

    Confirmatory testing

    In cases where it is requested, confirmatory testing will be done through blood sampling similar to the arrangements in 2017 and 2018. Under this arrangement, the Department will continue to fund the collection of blood samples by a private veterinary practitioner (PVP) and their subsequent testing, and, when sampled at the same time, testing of their dams.

    The system of mandatory farm herd investigation once a PI is disclosed (TASAH) will continue. An increased level of testing within these herds will take place as part of this arrangement into 2019.

    Farmers will be advised not to sell animals that were in-calf while the PI was present in the herd.

    Imported animals will be tested by the Department and those that turn out to be PI will not qualify for supports.

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