While the number of affected herds is now very low, the impact of BVD remains significant for both infected herds and their neighbours. Implementing preventive measures is key to stopping the spread of the virus and achieve eradication.
Herds located near other herds with BVD positive results (BVD+) this year, specifically those within, or immediately beside the 2025-coloured hexagons in the map below are at particular risk of having infection introduced in advance of this year’s breeding season. This could lead to BVD+ calves to be born in 2026, even in herds with no history of positive results.
Scroll down to check your location in the map. You may also check previous results by selecting a particular year.
Further down the page you can find advice on cleaning and disinfection and a short video on how to protect you herd (coming shortly)
Summary of BVD Eradication Key Messages for 2025
- Tissue tag testing remains compulsory for 2025.
- Tissue tag-test all calves as soon as possible after birth. Where positive or inconclusive tissue tag results are obtained, isolate and remove these calves promptly to obtain the higher financial support from DAFM. Confirmatory testing of these animals is no longer permitted.
- Test any animals of unknown status to obtain Negative Herd Status (NHS) and avail of cheaper testing.
- New infections are often a result of transmission from other herds in the vicinity or introduction of pregnant dams carrying an infected calf. Review biosecurity to minimise these risks, with a focus on movement of animals (including pregnant dams), people (including the farmer) or equipment or contact across farm boundaries.
- Farms that either share a boundary or are within 400m of a herd with a positive or inconclusive result will receive a neighbourhood notification. These herds should take every precaution to prevent the spread of BVD.
Click on the link below for the detailed key programme messages for 2025, including measures to further accelerate progress towards freedom, with a focus on prompt testing of calves and removal of suspects, prevention of onward transmission of infection from positive herds and testing of animals of unknown status, including those born before the 1st January 2013, to maximise the proportion of herds with NHS.
To find out more BVD Key Messages for 2025
To view a detailed article on protecting your herd during the calving season, click here.
Topics include:
- Prompt sampling of calves
- Submitting samples to the lab
- Taking action on positive results
- Understanding Neighbourhood risk
- Managing purchased or returning cattle
- BVD Vaccination Guidelines
**BVD Video to go here**
The following map shows county level results for BVD and is a tool that farmers can use to see areas where outbreaks are ongoing.
