New statistics from Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland (AHWNI) show that prevalence of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is at its lowest level since the mandatory program to eradicate BVD began. Ta.
As of early February 2024, there were 10 live positive cases in nine herds, but only 36 total known live positive cases. These were distributed across the counties of Northern Ireland.
AHWNI’s latest results show no infected animals have been kept in captivity for more than 28 days in County Tyrone.
During January 2024, there were 61 positive cases of BVD within 42 herds, with the majority of positive cases occurring in the DVO areas of County Armagh and Newry.
In January 2023, there were 84 positive cases within 63 herds. This means that the affected herd has decreased compared to the previous year.
According to AHWNI, the spike in positive results has been shown to have a seasonal pattern, typically increasing during peak birth periods.
However, the group said the current set of statistics should be viewed with “optimism” and should give “impetus” to the industry’s BVD elimination goals.
The occurrence of new outbreaks of BVD is often associated with the introduction of infected livestock into the herd.
AHWNI suggested that the main risk was that contaminants were introduced onto the farm, as the herd would not have come into contact with other livestock.
In failed herds, thorough cleaning and disinfection of pens, areas and equipment that may have been used by positive calves is essential to reduce the risk of virus spread within the farm.
Thorough cleaning also helps reduce the risk of the virus being carried away from the farm. In a clean herd, good biosecurity and hygiene are essential to reduce the risk of introducing viruses into the herd.