Despite the programme lasting longer than first expected, there appears to be progress building towards achieving bovine viral diarrhoea-free (BVD) status in Ireland.

Figures obtained by the Irish Farmers Journal through Animal Health Ireland (AHI) shows there are currently fewer than 200 herds with bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) in Ireland. Within that, the three counties of Leitrim, Wicklow and Carlow are now entirely clear of BVD from their cattle herds.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that a meeting of the BVD implementation group will take place this Thursday, with stakeholders expected to examine how to collectively push towards BVD freedom in the coming years.

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To meet the requirements of the EU Animal Health Law, Ireland must achieve an 18-month period without the disclosure of a confirmed BVD persistently infected (PI) animal, with 99.8% of cattle establishments BVD free, accounting for 99.9% of the bovine population.

For full analysis of the BVD programme, see next week’s edition.