Farmers in Wales who have registered to take part in a project aimed at controlling Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVS) have been urged to confirm whether or not they will be taking part.

Welsh meat lobbying group Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC)has offered financial support for farmers taking part in the scheme, though of the 229 farms which have registered since the scheme’s launch a year ago, only 92 have returned the forms which are essential if they are to take part in the scheme.

BVD has a serious impact on animal health and welfare and can also affect productivity and, resultantly, profitability. The project, supported by the Welsh Rural Development Plan, intends to increase profitability for Welsh farmers. Farmers taking part can claim £4 per sample from HCC, with a maximum of 100 cattle.  

The Welsh Regional Veterinary Centre is undertaking testing on behalf of HCC. Preliminary figures show that, of the 1,084 tests taken from the farms currently taking part in the project, 10 persistently infected (PI) cattle have been identified. The results average at 0.9 per cent of cattle tested, lower than the 1-2 per cent national average.

Farmers who want more information about the project can telephone the WRVC on 01554 748 597

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