BVD Testing for Herds

The British dairy and beef industry prides itself on being a world leader and pioneer in terms of cattle welfare.  The health and welfare of all animals in the herd are paramount for profitable and efficient milk and meat production. 

Ensuring that cows are happy and healthy will improve fertility, yield, longevity and disease resistance as well as reducing costs – such as vet bills, medicines and labour. There are also increasing pressures and regulations to ensure the already high standards that exist in the UK are maintained and increased. 

The Cattle Information Service (CIS) offers a range of services to help dairy and beef farmers when it comes to optimising cattle welfare.  The CIS Health Testing services include disease testing, Johne’s Monitoring Scheme, Ketosis/Acidosis indicators and Cell Count Analysis, to name but a few.

One disease that CIS test for is Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), which is more common in dairy herds than beef, which is a problem because BVD reduces fertility and therefore, for dairy cows, hits lifetime milk production.  It also increases abortions, calf illness and mastitis levels.  By far the main source of BVD is the PI (persistently infected animal), which is born infected and produces massive quantities of virus for its entire life.  PIs quickly infect unprotected cattle by direct contact or indirectly (transient infection) via unwashed equipment, vehicles, or clothing.   They may look perfectly healthy, but PIs are a continuous risk to the rest of your herd.

In a lactating cow, fertility can be negatively affected as BVD can cause early reabsorptions from 6 to 8 weeks. Infection during the gestation period can result in abortions and deformities.  BVD causes oral ulcers and lesions of the abomasum, intestine and colon. Symptoms of a PI animal suffering secondary mucosal disease can include diarrhoea, anorexia, ulcers inside the cheeks, nose and on the tongue, limping and prostration, which can lead to death, often within 5 to 10 days.

In 2027, England is set to introduce a mandatory BVD control program, aligning with the rest of the UK and Europe, with the aim of eliminating this costly disease. This mandatory approach will ensure nationwide compliance, preventing reinfection from non-compliant herds.

BVD control program measures:

 

Compulsory testing of all breeding cattle

• All breeding herds must test for Persistently Infected (PI) animals — the primary source of BVD spread.
• Initial whole-herd testing using **ear notch testing or bulk milk PCR** (for dairy herds).

Removal of PI Animals

• Identified PI cattle must be culled or isolated immediately to prevent viral spread.
• Movement restrictions will apply to infected herds until they achieve BVD-free status.

 

Movement Controls & Biosecurity

• Pre-movement testing may be required for cattle sales to prevent BVD transmission.
• Enhanced biosecurity measures, including quarantine protocols for incoming stock.

            

Herd Accreditation & Monitoring

• Farms achieving BVD-free status will receive official accreditation.
• Ongoing surveillance through annual testing or bulk milk monitoring (for dairy herds).

            

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Financial penalties for farms failing to test or remove PI animals.
• Possible restrictions on livestock sales for non-compliant herds.

 

The most effective way to detect BVD in a herd is to look for exposure to the BVD virus by measuring antibody levels in bulk milk, individual cow milk or blood samples from cows.  Identifying persistently infected cattle (PIs) is done using either ear notch tissue tags, blood tests, or screening bulk milk for the possible presence of a PI with a PCR test. Money spent on testing and prevention measures (e.g., vaccination, double fencing) is recouped through increased milk production, improved calf survival, and reduced antibiotic costs.  

BVD testing and Tags from CIS are an efficient way to undertake BVD testing, available on a pay-as-you-go basis. With your first order from our tag supplier, Caisley, you will receive everything you need to start BVD testing.  The box will include tags with tissue tubes attached, a tag applicator, and sample forms with return postage packs.

Made using the same high quality raw materials as our standard visual tags, these tags have a unique design to make ear tagging and tissue sampling easy, accurate and stress free for both the calf and the operator. 

Results will be sent directly to you from the CIS laboratory once the BVD test is completed.

It’s a simple BVD tag and testing solution. For further information on testing for BVD, call CIS on 01923 695319 

 

www.thecis.co.uk