The continuation of supports for the early removal of persistently infected (PI) calves under the Bovine Viral Disease (BVD) Eradication Programme has been confirmed by Minister Creed.

He noted that substantial savings were being achieved by farmers, with the incidence of PIs reducing in 2019 to just 0.04% from 0.66% in 2013, the first year of the compulsory phase of the Eradication Programme.

He said: “A proposed amendment to existing regulations is coming into effect in early 2020 whereby it will now be a legal requirement for all animals born on or before 1 January 2013 to have a known BVD status.”

The supports available in 2020 in respect of early removal of PI calves will be:

Dairy herds

  • €160 if the female dairy and dairy cross calves are removed within 10 days of the first positive or inconclusive test.
  • €30 if the female dairy and dairy cross calves are removed between day 11 and 21 of the first positive or inconclusive test.
  • €30 towards the disposal of dairy bull calves through the abattoir or knackery within 14 days of the first positive or inconclusive test.

    • Beef herds

  • €220 if the calf is removed within 10 days of the first positive or inconclusive test.
  • €30 if the calf is removed between day 11 and 21 of the first positive or inconclusive test.

    • Older animals born prior to 1 January 2013 will not be eligible for compensation.

    Herd restrictions

    The system of automatic herd restrictions and notification of neighbours will continue in 2020.

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