Phase 6 of Scotland’s BVD Eradication Scheme: What You Need to Know

Scotland is stepping up its battle against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) with the introduction of Phase 6 in its ongoing eradication effort. This phase, part of an industry-led programme, aims to protect the majority of cattle herds that have successfully eliminated BVD, a highly contagious and costly disease affecting cattle.

Key Changes in Phase 6:

1. Flexible Sampling for Young Calves: Previously, ear tag sampling for calves under 20 days old was restricted to official tags. Now, farmers can use either official or management tags, offering more flexibility.

2. Grace Period for Positive Results: When a BVD positive result is identified, farmers usually face immediate restrictions. Under Phase 6, there's a new 40-day grace period for confirmatory testing. If the animal still tests positive after this period, movement restrictions will kick in.

3. Extended Obligations for Non-Breeding Herds: Previously focused on breeding herds, the separate housing requirement for cattle with BVD is now extended to non-breeding herds. This move aims to curb the spread of infection through direct contact.

4. Mandatory Testing for Calves of "Trojan Cows": Calves born from cows that were pregnant upon joining a new herd must be tested for BVD. This ensures early identification of infected calves, protecting both the herd and neighboring cattle.

5. Restrictions for Non-Compliant Herds: Herds failing to establish a BVD-negative status within 15 months will face a compulsory investigation and restrictions on bringing new cattle onto the farm.

6. Clarified Rules for Individual Breeding Animals: The amendment refines rules for individual breeding animals not part of a herd, ensuring clear guidelines on movement restrictions and testing obligations.

Consultation and Feedback:

A public consultation held between November 2023 and February 2024 garnered 53 responses from various stakeholders. The feedback led to the adoption of four out of nine proposed measures for Phase 6. One notably supported yet unimplemented measure involved reducing farm payments for non-compliance, pending future public listings of non-compliant herds.

Economic and Social Impact:

A Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment suggests that Phase 6 will be economically beneficial for Scotland's cattle industry, potentially reducing BVD outbreaks and their costs. Although mandatory testing for "Trojan cows" poses an additional cost of £35-55,000 annually, the preventive measures could save the industry up to £27 million each year.

The Scottish Government assures that the new measures align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, maintaining a strong commitment to both animal health and broader social responsibilities.

In conclusion, Phase 6 represents a significant step in Scotland’s ongoing mission to eradicate BVD, balancing industry flexibility with rigorous disease control measures. These efforts are expected to safeguard cattle health and bolster the economic resilience of Scotland's agricultural sector.