New Scheme Launched to Manage Cattle Diseases

UK - A scheme aiming to improve cattle health and reduce the cost of disease to farmers is being launched this month.

4 November 2009

1 minute read

Europe

VLA is launching a new testing and consultancy service, the Herdsure® Cattle Health Improvement Service, aimed at establishing and improving herd health.

The programme plans to establish the health status of the UK’s herds and to structure the way vets provide health improvement programmes.

Interested farmers participate in the programme through their vet, who must also be registered with the scheme. The initiative offers herd testing, cost effective treatment and continued monitoring.

The initial disease included in the programme are bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Johne’s disease and liver fluke. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), leptospirosis and neosporosis will be added from the middle of next year.

Farms with herds of up to 200 animals will be charged £20 a year for each disease they register for and £30 annually for herds larger than 200. However, each test is charged for separately.

To mark the launch Herdsure® will be hosting a workshop on 27 November at the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) Congress 2009. The Congress will be on 26 to 28 November at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.