LIVESTOCK MATTERS - BVD SUPPLEMENT
present, the next important step was to
identify and remove all PIs,” continues
Hollie. “In an ideal world we would test
every animal and remove anything that
is confirmed as a PI, but economics
and practicalities come into play so a
strategy has been put in place that will
minimise short term risks and ultimately
eliminate the disease.”
The strategy involves the use of ear
tag tissue sampling, a relatively new
technology that enables a sample to be
taken as the ear tag is attached to the
calf, with the sealed capsule containing
the sample then being sent away
for laboratory analysis. This system
is central to a new scheme that is
being widely promoted by XLVets, a
nationwide organisation of 52 vet
practices that includes Wright &
Morten amongst its members.
Called BVD Check Tag, the scheme
aims to promote the testing of calves
and provide verification of a negative
test result for the disease through
a central and fully accessible
online database.
Significantly, the scheme includes
the use of branded white tags as part
of the testing procedure in order to
provide an easily identifiable and highly
visible prompt for calf buyers to check
test results before purchase.
As Hollie explains, the scheme has
value within a specific herd and also
more widely to help prevent the
spread of BVD.
“By identifying PIs, ideally shortly after
birth and certainly before they move
from their home unit, we can minimise
the spread of BVD and also offer more
targeted control programmes in herds
that are identified as infected.
“In the case of Nigel Potts’ herd, we
are using the ear tag tissue testing as a
crucial part of control and eradication.
If the calves are clear, then so are their
mothers. We are also blood testing all
bulling heifers before they are served,
and screening any cows that do not
calve. This strategy, together with
correctly applied vaccination protocols
and vigilant biosecurity, provide the
best protection we can achieve
against BVD.”
“It is important to be clear of PIs and
to stick firmly to the correct vaccination
procedures,” adds Hollie.“Other factors
also play a part, such as good data
recording and tight calving patterns,
and applying best practice in areas such
as biosecurity and farm hygiene.”
For Nigel Potts, working closely with
his vet practice has been the important
catalyst for change, with the most
visible benefit so far being a return to
the consistently good growth rates in
store cattle that have traditionally
been achieved.
“Our aim is to sell weanlings in
batches as they reach around 350kg
liveweight,” says Nigel. “In the case
of the better cattle this will translate
to average growth rates of around
1.2kg/head/day. If we can achieve this
consistently we’ll maintain strong
demand for our cattle, so staying free
of BVD and other infectious diseases
is crucial.”
Cattle are either sold through Meadow
Quality or through local markets such
as Chelford. In time, it is hoped that
the BVD Check Tag scheme, through
which calves testing negative for the
disease are identifiable through their
branded white tag, will add value and
provide a further source of promotion
and awareness of what is often such a
debilitating disease.
BVD can spread from farm to farm across field boundaries, so it is
advisable to be vigilant and protect cattle.
