BVD
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is endemic in the UK mainland. Recent studies suggest that up to 80-90% of herds in the UK have been exposed to BVD at some stage and blood testing usually confirms this.

BVD is the major cause of poor fertility in beef herds in the UK. There are other problems associated with BVD in herds and vaccination of all breeding stock is advisable if BVD is proved to be on your farm.

Please speak to one of the vets for advice on free BVD testing and the best way forward.

PNUEMONIA
Pneumonia can be caused by a number of different viruses and bacteria. The main viruses which cause pneumonia are IBR, PI3, BVD and RSV. Pasteurella and mycoplasma are also bacteria which are common causes of pnuemonia.

Vaccination is available for most of the above, but testing your animals to isolate which problem you have on your farm is always advisable before spending any money on vaccinating your cattle.

BLUETONGUE
Bluetongue BTV-8 is the only strain of the bluetongue virus to have reached the UK mainland. The current vaccination policy is to vaccinate all susceptible animals beofre the main vector period of the summer and autumn months. Bluetongue virus is spread to cattle & sheep by culicoides midges and once contracted, the animal becomes seriously ill with high incidences of death particularly in sheep. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND vaccination of all cattle and sheep with bluetongue vaccine which is readily available from us on a “Pay on Collection” purchase only.