Comparing data from weeks one to eight in 2024, there were 376,425 calves tested; 99.23% of these calves tested negative, with 49 calves testing positive (0.01%) compared to 82 in 2023. So far, there have been no inconclusive results but 2,809 samples were empty.

In short, BVD is a viral disease in cattle.

Infection can result in a wide range of animal health problems, such as infertility, abortion and birth defects.

Calves that survive infection during pregnancy are born persistently infected (PI) with the virus. They can die within two years from mucosal disease or other disease, as it weakens the immune system, such as scour and pneumonia in calves.

The Department of Agriculture provides financial support toward the cost of tagging of €2 per calf, paid directly to farmers based on calves registered, up to a maximum of 25 calves per herd.

In the case of a positive result after the BVD samples are sent to the lab, the Department will restrict movements both in and out of the farm until the positive animal is put down. There is no option to retest a positive animal.

Neighbouring herds within 400m of a positive herd have a one-in-seven chance of being positive the following year, according to AHI, and will immediately receive a biosecurity notification informing them of their increased risk.

Each month, neighbouring farms will continue to be notified until the removal of the animal with a positive or inconclusive result.

So far in 2024, there have been 376,425 calves tested.

While restricted, movements out of the herd to slaughter or non-breeding herds only may be granted on a case-by-case basis under permit by the relevant regional veterinary office, once the animals move directly to their destination.

Herds that had a positive or inconclusive result in 2023 are required to undertake a second round of Department-funded vaccination in 2024 of all female animals aged 12 months old or older. These animals should be vaccinated before the start of the next breeding season.

This might be earlier than 12 months since the last vaccination round to give sufficient time for all breeding cattle, including heifers, which should have completed their first course of vaccination prior to service.

If a dairy heifer tests positive, the farmer will receive €160 if the heifer is removed within 10 days of the initial test

For an animal that tests positive for BVD, the farmer will be compensated €220 for beef-bred animals that are removed with a registered date of death within 10 days of the initial test.

This will reduce to €30 if the animal is removed between 11 and 21 days after the initial test.

If a dairy heifer tests positive, the farmer will receive €160 if the heifer is removed within 10 days of the initial test. This will also reduce to €30 if removed between 11 and 21 days after the initial test. Dairy bull calves will be compensated €30 for removal within 14 days of the initial test.

Prior to the introduction of the BVD eradication programme, it was estimated that annual losses due to BVD in the Irish cattle industry were €102m. The total cost to the industry to run a six-year programme was estimated at €54m. This was a 10:1 ratio, which meant that for every €1 spent on the programme, there would be a return of €10.

The programme has been running since 2013. It is unknown how long the programme will run for but it is likely that it will still be here in 2025.