BVD eradication and sheep scab control in Wales

[Image: Sheep dipping]

BVD eradication in Wales

BVD eradication in Wales reached a major milestone when the Cabinet Secretary signed the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (Wales) Order 2024. This landmark was a long-term aim for many involved in the cattle industry in Wales. That we have reached this point is a testament to the teamwork by a range of stakeholders, in Wales and beyond. Vets, farmers, laboratories, Welsh Government, and academic institutions have all worked together to make it happen. During the voluntary phase, the vet team demonstrated the drive by vets in Wales to grapple with BVD on their clients’ farms. Taking samples from cattle (typically) during the TB test, the presence of antibodies, and therefore of BVD on farm was determined and then, where BVD was suspected, action could be taken.

The work led to 85% of the Welsh national herd being tested and, over the five years of the project, the number of positive herds has been reduced from 28% of farms positive at the beginning of the scheme to 23% by 2022. Consulting the cattle industry as a whole showed positive support in Wales for an eradication scheme based on the voluntary Gwaredu BVD scheme.

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (Wales) Order 2024 timeline

As noted, the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (Wales) Order 2024 came into force on 1 July. The veterinary and farming industries have many questions about how it will work. An interim Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has been set up to answer those questions, and the first guidance note was issued in August.

From 1 July 2024 to 1 July 2025 - vets and farmers have a period of relatively light regulation. They are only required to ascertain the status of the herd. Any Persistently Infected (PI) animals identified through further work on farms, are to be isolated on farms and not sold on. This means that vets and farmers have a period in which to deal with the issue on-farm without worrying about the more detailed legislation that comes into force on 1 July 2025. For this year, the first action is to sample five animals. If these show any antibody-positive animals, then action should be taken to identify whether a PI animal is present on the farm and to remove that animal as soon as possible. This gives the farm the best chance of being negative before the full introduction of legislation in July 2025.

After 1 July 2025, farmers will have to consider the BVD status of the animal or herd, before any movement of cattle is undertaken. The simplest state to be in is where the herd is free through having tested a group of cattle and found none to be antibody-positive. In this case, the farmer doesn’t need to consider BVD when moving cattle. If antibodies are found, or the test is not completed, then the farmer will need to consider the individual status of the animal before moving it. The TAG is looking at the various movement types and developing guidance, but where the herd is not BVD free then there will be complexities that can be avoided by eradication.

Freedom from disease is possible, and this state is achievable by the Welsh cattle industry, vets and farmers, working together. BVD eradication is within sight, with all the health and welfare benefits that will accrue.

Sheep Scab

Teamwork has been crucial in getting the farming industry to the position where scab freedom should be achievable. Sheep scab will require even more teamwork, with vets, farmers, contracted dippers, and those in government working together to achieve the aim without causing wider problems. 

On 2 September, the Gwaredu Scab phone lines reopened to allow farmers to seek assistance for suspected outbreaks of scab. As with the previous years, the team will be working to create clusters of farms to control outbreaks at a local level. The diagnosis and advice around stopping disease re-entry will be part of the veterinary remit. Approved contract dippers will be used to treat the sheep, to ensure that the product is used in the most responsible way.

Gwaredu Scab are prioritising new farmers who have not previously interacted with the programme. Farmers that used the programme last year will be advised to look at their biosecurity and to complete online training to maintain or improve their status.

It is possible to eradicate both BVD and Scab. The Welsh cattle and sheep industry has provided leadership at farm, government, and national level, to put Wales in a position where significant strides in disease control can be made. Thank you to all vets in Wales who worked so hard to make this possible.