Basic HTML Version
SUMMER 2010 ISSUE
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
12
H E R D S U R E F E A T U R E
There are clearly defined testing steps and
biosecurity principles to help the farmer control
disease.
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency
GAR E TH HAT E L E Y, V L A
Herd
sure
®
T
he Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA)
launched a new
cattle health improvement service at the British Cattle Veterinary
Association's Congress in Southport last November. Herdsure
®
aims to provide the industry with a structured, user friendly and cost
effective health planning tool for beef and dairy herds.
Herdsure
®
uses stepped testing protocols for
the management of major endemic diseases
that have significant economic impact on the
UK cattle industry:
l
Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD)
l
Johne's disease
l
Liver fluke
l
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)
l
Leptospirosis
l
Neosporosis
There are clearly defined testing steps and
biosecurity principles to help the farmer
control disease. Herdsure
®
is divided into
Levels with certificates of health status issued
at each level.
Herdsure
®
Herdsure
®
has some unique features designed
to make it easier for the farm and vet:
l
Herdsure
®
Management System (HMS)
is
a back office IT system designed by the
VLA to support large scale herd health
planning. It provides prompts when testing
is due, records herd data and reduces
administration for both vet and farmer.
l
Postage paid return of samples and
free consumables
such as bulk milk
sampling pots.
l
Helpline for registered vets
with a
team of consultants offering advice
and interpretation.
l
Veterinary Practice and Farmer Handbook
with information about diseases, protocols,
biosecurity measures and management of
added animals.
S UMMARY
Although there are a number of schemes
in existence, the VLA has, perhaps, a
unique position in that it is a national
organisation that works from regional
laboratories that can act as a local
'focus' for disease control. Thus, its
Herdsure service could help develop
endemic disease control at both a
local and national level.
Herdsure
®
LEVEL 1
Establishes health status.
Herdsure
®
LEVEL 2
Improves health status through disease
reduction strategies.
Herdsure
®
LEVEL 3
Monitors and maintains improved
health status.