Farm Animals

Cattle BVD Control Programme Welfare Benefits

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) control programmes deliver significant welfare benefits by eliminating persistently infected animals that suffer from immune suppression and secondary disease.

Key Facts

Persistently infected (PI) cattle suffer from chronic immunosuppression and shortened lifespans
PI animals are the main reservoir of BVD and spread virus continuously on farm
Ear notch or blood testing can identify PI animals for removal
National BVD eradication programmes have succeeded in Scandinavia and Scotland
PI animals often appear stunted and are more susceptible to respiratory and enteric disease

Welfare Considerations

BVD PI cattle suffer from immunosuppression their entire lives. Elimination benefits both individual welfare and herd health, reducing disease burden across farms.

What You Can Do

Test calves for BVD PI status and remove positives promptly
Vaccinate breeding cattle to prevent BVD infection in pregnancy
Support national BVD eradication programmes with testing participation
Work with your vet on a farm biosecurity plan to prevent BVD reintroduction