Measures proposed to tackle BVD in Scotland
The Scottish Government has proposed a movement ban on persistently infected cattle, as part of initiatives taken to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) in Scotland.
Richard Lochhead, the Rural Affairs Secretary, announced intentions that from February 2013, knowingly moving or presenting a persistently infected animal for sale will become an offence. Ending the trade of these animals - often called 'virus factories' - will hopefully go a significant way to stopping the spread of the disease.
The industry, vets, scientists and the Government have worked together to develop the scheme, and Mr Lochhead is now urging farmers and crofters to have their say on the plans as part of a consultation.
The three proposals are as follows:
- A ban on knowingly moving or selling Persistently Infected animals, other than straight to slaughter.
- A requirement that the BVD status of herds or animals must be declared before sale or movement.
- Cattle from herds with a 'not-negative' BVS status must test negative for BVD virus before movement, other than straight to slaughter.
Mr Lochhead commented: "Across Scotland, farmers have been testing their herds for BVD. We want to help those who are free of BVD to stay that way, and to provide a greater incentive to those with BVD to get rid of it."
The consultation is available here.
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
