New control measures are being introduced as part of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme in Scotland.

The next phase of the programme will be introduced in January 2014 and will include restricting the movement of animals infected with BVD (persistently infected animals, known as PIs), temporary movement restrictions on herds that have not been tested, and compulsory declaration of herd status before movement.

Guidance is being issued to all farmers and the measures have been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which is urging veterinary surgeons in Scotland to make sure they are ready to support their farming clients to comply with the new measures.

Commenting, BVA President Robin Hargreaves said on Wednesday, "We have supported Scotland’s BVD eradication scheme throughout each of its phases and have championed this approach in other parts of the UK. Eradicating BVD will lead to increased production efficiency and better herd health that has the potential to save the cattle industry millions of pounds.

"Moving to a compulsory phase makes complete sense and we are urging our members to make sure they are ready to support their clients comply with the new measures."

Ronnie Soutar, President of BVA Scottish Branch added, "BVD can be a crippling disease on farms, causing reproductive problems such as abortion and infertility, failure to thrive, and fatalities.

"We are pleased that over 90% of herds complied with mandatory testing in phase two, demonstrating the desire from industry to tackle the disease head on.

"Vets in Scotland will be ready to offer ongoing advice and support to clients on all aspects of disease eradication, including testing and biosecurity."