The BVD survey gathers information from all parts of the UK and all types of farming system to gain a snapshot of what producers are doing on their farm to control and eradicate this costly disease. This information is then analysed and can be important when it comes to future policy.
Since the first Boehringer National BVD Survey in 2016, a lot has changed.
The compulsory programmes in Northern Ireland and Scotland have made significant inroads. In Scotland 92% of breeding herds are negative1 and in Northern Ireland only 3% of herds are BVD positive2. England and Wales are making progress but there is still some way to go.
A recent study estimates that the economic impact varies but can be up to £552 per cow per year. Nationally, it is estimated that BVD costs UK farmers around £61m per year3.
The survey provides valuable information and is supported by the eradication programmes in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales as well as farmer groups such as RABDF and NBA.
1. EPIC (2024) BVD Monthly Summary.
2. Animal Health & Welfare NI. Statistics update for the BVD programme.
3. Yarnall MJ, Thrusfield MV. (2017) Veterinary Record (13):347. doi: 10.1136/vr.104370