I recently received a phone call from a client who had just got a text from the lab to inform him that a calf had tested positive for BVD virus on the ear notch test. He was understandably upset, as all calves had tested negative for the previous three years.

He runs a closed herd, in that he does not buy in any cattle. His main concern now was how to deal with this issue in order to prevent more testing positive.

Bio-containment of this and any other diseases on farm relies on three steps. The first is to reduce the source of infection. The second is to prevent the spread and the third is to improve the immunity of the rest of herd to that disease.

In this case, we isolated the calf away from any other animals, especially in-calf cows. We also implemented a strict cleaning and disinfection of all areas the calf had been in or near and also of any footwear and clothing/equipment that would be used around the calf so as not to spread the virus.

A vaccination protocol against BVD will also be implemented depending on further results to improve the immunity of the herd.

These three steps can realistically be used to deal with any disease process on farm. As we are heading into another busy springtime and with cattle numbers rising on farms, we are coming across more and more health issues.

Time and labour are scarce and often a disease has become well established before we have a chance to deal with it.

We are already coming across a lot of scours and pneumonia in calves. Farmers should set up an isolation area for the sick calves to stop the spread and reduce the source. Prompt and regular cleaning of pens and disinfection is vital. These steps can be the difference between a vaccination protocol for the likes of rota virus or pneumonia working or not.

Talk to your veterinary surgeon regarding what issues you may have or are worried about. Animal Health Ireland also has a lot of good clear advice on how to prevent and how to deal with problems should they arise.

We are waiting for results on the above calf to confirm whether it is a persistently infected (PI) calf or not. If positive, then an investigation will be done to find out when and how the virus came on to the farm through the AHI-led BVD scheme.

Kevin Lenihan works at Glen Veterinary Clinic, Blind St, Tipperary Town. Glen Vet Clinic is part of XLVets. XLVets is a group of progressive practices who are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. Visit www.xlvet.ie.