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Cattle farmers in Wales are being urged to take advantage of free BVD testing amid concerns a national screening programme has stalled.

In the first nine months of the £9m Gwaredu BVD scheme, beef and dairy herd screenings raced past the 5,000 figure and hopes were high that others would quickly follow suit.

But in the following nine months just 2,000 herds were tested and progress has since continued to slow.

With less than 18 months of the scheme now to run, and 4,000 herds still to be tested, the Gwaredu BVD group fears it will not achieve a critical mass of screenings and farmers will pay the price.

For group member Peredur Hughes, who helped set up the scheme, the situation is particularly frustrating.

Not only is the scheme free, offering the potential for multiple herd health benefits, it is likely to be replaced by legislation when it ends in September 2020.

“Both Scotland and Ireland already have legislation in place,” he said.

“After that there will be no funding and all testing will be compulsory and have to be paid for by the farmer unless the herd is certified BVD free.”

(Image: Debbie James)

BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea) is a viral disease that suppresses the immune system of affected animals, resulting in reduced growth rates and fertility.

An estimated 30% of Welsh farms are affected, costing up to £45 per beef cow and an estimated £15,000-a-year for the average dairy herd.

Through the Gwaredu BVD scheme, farm vets are offering free BVD screening at the annual TB test or at a pre-movement test.

For maximum benefit, herds should be tested every year during the three-year free testing period.

Blood samples are taken from five youngstock aged 9-18 months, and herd owners can then collect up to £500 for any subsequent testing that’s needed to identify Persistently Infected (PI) animals.

“Farmers who have tested their animals have seen a general improvement in their herds, from reduced scouring to lower levels of pneumonia,” said Peredur.

“And for those who have taken part, there’s been no cost to them whatsoever.”

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Anecdotal feedback suggests some farmers remain unaware of the scheme and its benefits. Others suspect hidden costs when there are none.

Smallholders and part-time farmers, who have limited access to industry information, may be among the residuals, along with beef finishers, the latter believing there are few benefits to testing cattle destined for slaughter.

But Peredur said: “On Anglesey I know of a finisher who paid £1,000 each for stores and within three months three had died from BVD. It’s in everyone’s interest to tackle a disease that can have a big impact on farm margins.

“Achieving 100% testing of all herds in Wales would be phenomenal, but it’s unlikely. If we can get to 90% within the three years, it would still make a major impact on overall cattle health.”

Some producers haven’t got cattle of the right age to be tested, others say they have never been prompted by their vets.

Peredur said farm vets – and the farm unions – are supportive but he would like to see them do more.

“Dealing with persistent diseases such as BVD is one of the most effective steps we can take to improve the sustainability of Welsh livestock production," added Dr Rebekah Stuart, flock and herd health executive at levy body Hybu Cig Cymru .