FOLLOWING requests from buyers wanting to maximise calf health and also for BVD free stock we are now pre-screening all calves before they enter rearing units.
Calves identified as persistently infected (PI) will not be sent into rearing units. Calves, which are bought from a variety of sources including markets, are now tested on the day of purchase, prior to delivery. To do this we are using a lateral flow device, which is similar to a pregnancy test kit. Each calf being tested has an ear notch taken and then the test is run, giving a result in 15 minutes. By regularly testing for BVD there is potential for huge savings to many farm businesses through the reduction in abortion and reproductive losses, improved calf health, improved mortality and reduced veterinary costs.