Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is calling on farmers to be vigilant for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) ahead of the 2026 spring-calving breeding season.
According to AHI, biosecurity measures are key to preventing BVD from entering the herd.
Herds located within 400 metres of a confirmed BVD case in 2025 or 2026 face a significantly higher risk of infection, according to exclusive research by AHI.
The data shows that these herds have a one-in-seven chance of becoming positive the following year, even if they have no prior history of infection.
AHI has said that it is critical to review on-farm biosecurity with a veterinary practitioner at this time of the year, prior to breeding, as exposure in early pregnancy can result in the birth of infected calves.
Biosecurity
Any pregnant animal can contract BVD. However, heifers are particularly vulnerable as they tend to have lower immunity.
AHI has recommended some key biosecurity measures farmers can take to protect their herds ahead of the 2026 breeding season:
Prevent grazing cows and heifers in early pregnancy near boundaries where nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring cattle can occur.While it does not prevent virus entry, vaccination can help to reduce the impact of accidental exposure and should be considered as part of a herd health plan.Isolate all purchased or returning cattle for a minimum of 28 days. Calves from introduced pregnant animals should be tested promptly and kept separate until confirmed negative.Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols should be followed by farm visitors and workers.The sharing of equipment such as trailers and calving jacks between farms should be minimised. If unavoidable, the equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.'Ramp up efforts'
Dr Maria Guelbenzu, BVD programme manager at AHI said: “The decisions of today impact us all tomorrow. That is why we are urging farm families and their vets to ramp up efforts to protect herds from BVD.
"Strong biosecurity not only protects against BVD but also reduces the risk of other infectious diseases. Acting now will protect your herd’s health, improve productivity and profitability while supporting the national goal of BVD eradication.
“Farmers, their vets and their entire industry have made huge strides in eradicating BVD and we are now closer than ever to achieving BVD freedom. We are now within reach of the end and if we all redouble our efforts to ensure we can finish the job together,” she said.
Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is calling on farmers to be vigilant for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) ahead of the 2026 spring-calving breeding season.
According to AHI, biosecurity measures are key to preventing BVD from entering the herd.
Herds located within 400 metres of a confirmed BVD case in 2025 or 2026 face a significantly higher risk of infection, according to exclusive research by AHI.
The data shows that these herds have a one-in-seven chance of becoming positive the following year, even if they have no prior history of infection.
AHI has said that it is critical to review on-farm biosecurity with a veterinary practitioner at this time of the year, prior to breeding, as exposure in early pregnancy can result in the birth of infected calves.
Biosecurity
Any pregnant animal can contract BVD. However, heifers are particularly vulnerable as they tend to have lower immunity.
AHI has recommended some key biosecurity measures farmers can take to protect their herds ahead of the 2026 breeding season:
Prevent grazing cows and heifers in early pregnancy near boundaries where nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring cattle can occur.While it does not prevent virus entry, vaccination can help to reduce the impact of accidental exposure and should be considered as part of a herd health plan.Isolate all purchased or returning cattle for a minimum of 28 days. Calves from introduced pregnant animals should be tested promptly and kept separate until confirmed negative.Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols should be followed by farm visitors and workers.The sharing of equipment such as trailers and calving jacks between farms should be minimised. If unavoidable, the equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.'Ramp up efforts'
Dr Maria Guelbenzu, BVD programme manager at AHI said: “The decisions of today impact us all tomorrow. That is why we are urging farm families and their vets to ramp up efforts to protect herds from BVD.
"Strong biosecurity not only protects against BVD but also reduces the risk of other infectious diseases. Acting now will protect your herd’s health, improve productivity and profitability while supporting the national goal of BVD eradication.
“Farmers, their vets and their entire industry have made huge strides in eradicating BVD and we are now closer than ever to achieving BVD freedom. We are now within reach of the end and if we all redouble our efforts to ensure we can finish the job together,” she said.
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