Ahead of the introduction of new rules related to BVD we spoke to John Griffiths, Chair of BVDCymru about the new rules.
What is BVD and why does eradicating it matter?
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is one of the most significant infectious diseases affecting cattle herds in Wales.
Many herds can carry BVD without seeing dramatic clinical signs, but where BVD is present on the farm there may be reproductive failure and increased disease burden from pneumonia and other diseases due to immunosuppression.
The biggest concern is the creation of Persistently Infected (PI) animals. These animals become infected before birth and shed huge amounts of virus throughout their lives, spreading infection to other cattle within the herd, causing general immunosuppression in the herd, and risking passing the infection to neighbouring farms.
Welsh Government estimates suggest the disease, because of the impact on productivity, fertility, calf performance and overall herd health, can cost a 100-cow beef herd around £4,500 annually and over £15,000 in a typical dairy herd.
Eradicating BVD matters because healthier cattle are more productive, require fewer treatments and deliver better welfare outcomes. Removing BVD also improves the reputation and sustainability of the Welsh cattle industry and helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with poor cattle health and inefficiency.
Wales has already made substantial progress through the voluntary Gwaredu BVD programme, the legislation introduced by Welsh Government in 2024 represents an important next step in the journey.
Eradication is now considered an achievable goal if farmers, vets and industry continue working together.
What are the current rules?
Compulsory screening
Since 1 July 2024, all cattle keepers in Wales have been legally required to complete an annual BVD screening test. The first screen had to be completed by 1 July 2025 and must continue every 12 months thereafter.
Where possible this involves testing five homebred, unvaccinated youngstock between 9 and 18 months of age from each management group. If this is not possible your vet can advise which animals are most suitable for sampling as they have the authority to select alternative animals.
PI animals found on farm
Any PI animals identified must:
• remain isolated from the rest of the herd
• be housed indoors
• not be sold on to other farms
• only move directly to slaughter
Farmers are also encouraged to practise strong biosecurity, know the BVD status of purchased animals and work closely with their vet to investigate any “Not Negative” herd status.
What is changing from July and what does this mean for me?
The next phase of the legislation will now come into force from 1 July 2026.
From this point onwards, herds classed as “Not Negative” will require any cattle they wish to move to have a valid negative pre-movement virus test, also known as an antigen test. This pre-movement test must be conducted by the vet.
Farms will be classed as Not Negative if the herd has evidence of BVD exposure (positive antibody results), contains PI animals, or has not completed the required annual screening.
Post movement tests will also be required for animals moving onto the holding if the animal has unknown BVD virus status, for example from England where BVD testing is not yet mandatory
Not negative herds will also require any calves born into the herd to be tested for BVD.
The key message for farmers is simple:
• Complete annual testing
• Investigate any positive or “Not Negative” results promptly
• Remove PI animals quickly
• Discuss herd health and biosecurity plans with your vet
For many herds already engaged with BVD control, these changes should involve minimal disruption. However, failing to engage with testing requirements could create significant movement and trading complications in future.
I’ve heard there will be a new database to deal with BVD, what do I need to know?
Yes, the next phase of the legislation is being aligned with the rollout of the new EIDCymru / MultiSpecies Wales database system.
The database is intended to improve recording and management of BVD status information, helping farmers, vets and government track herd status more effectively and support disease eradication efforts across Wales.
Further details on exactly how the database will operate are expected as implementation progresses, but farmers should expect BVD status and testing information to become increasingly integrated into cattle movement and traceability systems.
In the interim, the BVDCymru system which is managed by EIDCymru has been developed which will give the necessary functionality to deliver the legislative requirement.
Where can I get more information?
Farmers should speak with their own veterinary practice in the first instance to discuss testing requirements, herd status and practical BVD control measures for their system.
Further guidance is available through the Welsh Government BVD guidance pages and from BVDCymru.
