Eradication programme for bovine viral diarrhoea virus in Orkney 2001 to 2008

Abstract

The strategies used and the results obtained in Orkney's bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) eradication programme over eight years (2001 to 2008) are presented and discussed. The venture was undertaken by local veterinary practices and the Orkney Livestock Association (OLA) with the financial support of the Orkney Islands Council. Participation is voluntary; the programme comprises screening of youngstock, a whole-herd test if required, elimination of persistently infected animals and strict biosecurity measures and/or vaccination. BVDV-free herds are certified, and certification is updated annually by retesting the youngstock. The programme aims to minimise economic losses, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the Orcadian cattle industry and to improve animal health and welfare by eliminating virus circulation. Information from databases of the Scottish Agricultural College, Biobest Laboratories and OLA show that despite a significant reduction in the overall prevalence of BVDV on Orkney during the initial stages of the eradication programme, there has been little progress made since 2006 and that some difficulties have been encountered, with herd BVDV breakdowns following initial eradication. These results highlight the need for continued motivation of farmers, strict application of biosecurity measures and/or systematic vaccination of all seronegative breeding animals.

Network modeling of BVD transmission

“…BVD eradication programs in different regions illustrate the difficulty of achieving complete eradication [33]. Following an initial significant reduction in the prevalence of BVDV infected herds, there remains a low level of infection for a considerable period of time causing new infections in previously disease free herds.…”

Considerations on BVD eradication for the Irish livestock industry

“…There can be considerable differences in their levels of motivation and interest and therefore considerable differences in application and uptake. No matter how committed a farmer is, he/she may have neighbours and be trading with others who are not participating in BVD control programmes [51]. It is the view of German experts that voluntary programmes are ultimately unsuccessful, in spite of the resources put into them.…”

“…Unfortunately, it was reintroduced to the islands through purchase of a PI animal, highlighting the need for a monitoring element to such eradication programmes. A voluntary scheme commenced on the Orkney Islands, but despite good initial progress this has stalled, due to incomplete participation by the farming population [51]. The programme was based on the Cattle Health Certification Standards (UK) (CHeCS) programme, which evolved as an independent UK industry body and has provided guidelines for the control and eradication of BVDV, among other infectious cattle diseases, for over 10 years.…”

Bioexclusion of diseases from dairy and beef farms: Risks of introducing infectious agents and risk reduction strategies

“…The implementation of bioexclusion plans on dairy or beef farms is voluntary in almost all countries (an exception being larger dairy farms in Denmark; Kristensen and Jakobsen, 2011). Therefore, farmers need to be motivated to both change existing behaviours and to continue to implement effective practices to avoid biosecurity breakdowns (Truyers et al, 2011). However, currently there is a lack of consensus internationally in the published literature regarding bioexclusion protocols (Daly, 2011;Moore et al, 2008), their efficacy (van Winden et al, 2005;Faust et al, 2001) and their cost-effectiveness.…”