BVD control How are herds infected? Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

'Average ' Herds …..with PI? ? Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

'Average ' Herds …. with Immune cows Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

'Average ' Herds …. but naive Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

How do you get started? Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

Diagnostic tools offered to farmers* QuickScan BVD combination of three tests Bulk milk test on BVD-virus (PCR) Bulk milk test on BVD-antibody blood test for BVD antibodies on spot check (n=5) in the young stock Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

BVD-QuickScan is a combination of three tests, Bulkmilk test on BVD-virus (PCR): are there PIs in this milking herd ? Bulkmilk test on BVD-antibody: has there been BVD contact in the last years ? Blood test on antibody in youngstock ( n=5): have youngstock recent contact with BVD virus ( last months ) i.e. active BVD on farm? GD QuickScan BVD Interpretating the BVD QuickScan? Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

BVD PI not found or removed: During 10 month tests of all new calves ( > 1 month ) No PIs: - BVD-free (certificate) PIs found: - removal; - prolounged period GD Programme BVD-virusfree Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

Youngstock with antibody: percentage herd with PI 3 / / / 568 Probability on PI Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

Conclusions Good diagnostic tools and vaccines are available – use wisely & strategically Control programs should be designed to reduce risk and consequences of human error – establish vet/farmer partnership Commitment of all shareholders is essential – try to build neighbour commitment Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

Herds Dont Stay Still Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

What will we need to make it work? initial screen e.g. bulk milk testing for BVDV & young stock testing if +ve, find & cull the PI animals continued monitoring expert advice to you recognised value of BVD accreditation Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

What do vets hope to achieve? recruit many farms to BVD control scheme take all farms through to BVDV freedom collect information to show benefit of scheme launch regional/national scheme Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

What advantages we hope for farmers? BVDV freedom clear cost benefit benchmarking advantage become a major source of BVD-free animals Health and welfare advantages Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

We hope you will join us in this pioneering BVD Control scheme – you are key players? Already, there are established some BVDv-free herds in the UK. Usually 1-3 year control programme. Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

What make diseases important? Acute and explosive Chronic and disabling Untreatable Severe even fatal Widespread, intermediate vectors Persistent infection Zoonotic Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

Overall Summary – BVD: signs, threat & infection FARMERS Level of infection – Dairy – 79% of farmers say that they have discussed BVD with their vet but only 11% say that they have BVD. Measures – More than ½ farmers (57%) feel they take no specific measures against BVD with just 23% mentioning vaccination. Impact – Most farmers (72%), however, feel that there is no real impact of BVD. VETS Level of infection – Perceived to be higher by vets than by farmers. Dairy – vets say ¾ (76%) dairy tested and ¾ are positive (71%). Beef – 29% have been tested of which 60% have BVD. Measures - Vets view vaccination as the main tool against BVD (78%). Testing is also useful (48%). Impact – Vets feel that the main impact of BVD is financial (48%) and infertility (41%). Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College

Education Persistence Joe Brownlie © 2008 Royal Veterinary College