A NATIONAL effort to remove Bovine Viral Diarrhoea from Scottish cattle herds is showing early success.

Under the Scottish BVD scheme, 'phase 5’ measures came in to force on December, 1, 2019, placing increased restrictions on BVD Positive herds and Not Negative breeding herds, in order to protect BVD Negative herds.

Since then, 56,627 animals have been tested and 33 Persistently Infected animals (PIs) have been identified and another 80 removed – suggesting the new rules are discouraging cattle owners from keeping PIs.

Prior to the introduction of phase 5, Scotland’s total number of live PIs was 187 held over 57 holdings. This fell to 107 live PIs on 35 holdings at the beginning of March. The number of BVD Not Negative herds is slowly dropping, at around 10% of herds.

It is believed that the new measures and reduction in PI numbers should continue to bring this level down, but additional rules are set to come in to force on May 18, requiring any suspected PI animal to be housed and isolated.

NFUS livestock committee chair, Jimmy Ireland, commented: “These are promising figures that reflect how the majority of Scotland’s cattle keepers are adhering to regulations introduced via BVD Phase 5. Additional rules will apply from May 18 and will reinforce the importance of good practice. Keepers must continue to take their responsibilities seriously as we strive to reduce the presence of BVD across Scotland,” he urged.