Some 37 herd owners are dragging their heels on removing calves identified as persistently infected (PI) with BVD last year.

The latest results for the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Eradication Programme for 12 April showed that 37 herds are still retaining 2016-born PI animals.

The retention of PI animals in the national herd creates a greater risk of the disease recurring and is one of the barriers preventing the national eradication scheme from moving on from tissue-tag testing.

The introduction of higher payments for faster disposal of PI and inconclusive calves last December is working, the figures also show. The number of herds retaining 2017-born PI animals on 12 April was recorded at 43, a quarter of the level retaining PIs at the same stage in 2016.

This is combined with Department-enforced movement restrictions on herds retaining PI animals aged over five weeks and letters of notification to farmers on neighbouring holdings where PI animals are being retained.

BVD changes generating more progress

37 herds retaining 2016-born PI calves

Huge progress has been made since the BVD eradication programme began, but retention of PI calves is restricting a final push over the line.