Following a reprofiling of the Gwaredu BVD programme, the FUW has welcomed the announcement that support for all herd screening will continue to be available until the 31st December 2022.
BVD continues to cost the average beef herd approximately £4,500 per year and £15,000 for dairy.
Since the programme’s launch in 2017, the programme has screened over 8,600 Welsh cattle herds for BVD free of charge. Currently, there are:
- 1,218 herds achieving gold status (3 or more negative tests)
- 1,178 herds achieving silver status (2 negative tests)
- 3,759 herds achieving bronze status (1 negative test)
With the extension, farmers will be eligible for two further herd screenings with the opportunity to achieve gold status. It is recommended that screens are kept at least 10 months apart.
From the 8,600 herds, approximately 26% have tested positive and the Gwaredu BVD Team will continue to work the those farmers and their vets to identify the persistently infected (PI) animals within those herds.
Under the extension, funding for PI hunts will continue as before. The total available for funding remains at £1,000 + VAT, including a £100 vet fee and £900 testing fee. Those herds that have tested positive and already applied for an initial £500 PI hunt will be eligible to apply for the additional £500 if any further PI hunting is required.
The FUW maintains that a gap between the voluntary programme and the introduction of legislation should be avoided at all costs in order to continue the great achievements made towards BVD eradication since 2017. This extension will avoid just that and ensure a smooth transition into what is decided following a consultation period later this year.
The FUW is encouraging all of its members to engage with the free voluntary programme before BVD testing is made compulsory.