Wales Rolls Out New BVD Movement Testing Rules

Wales has introduced new Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) testing rules for cattle keepers, taking effect on 1 July 2026 as part of the country’s programme to eradicate one of the most damaging endemic diseases affecting cattle. Announced on 30 June 2026, the rules join Wales with Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and much of Europe in committing to eliminate BVD from national cattle herds.

Under the new rules, keepers with BVD Not-Negative herds must pre-movement test animals before moving them off holding, with only negative-testing animals allowed to move and results valid for 60 days. Moving a BVD-positive or persistently infected animal will be an offence. Cattle of unknown BVD status entering Wales from outside must be tested within 20 days of arrival. The Tag & Test ear tissue sample method can be used for both pre-movement testing of young calves and post-movement testing of all animals.

BVD weakens immune systems, reduces fertility and increases the risk of secondary diseases such as pneumonia and scours, driving up costs across cattle production. The Welsh government has framed eradication as a route to lower operating costs, improved cattle health and welfare, higher productivity and a smaller carbon footprint. Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister Llyr Gruffydd said Welsh farmers had themselves identified BVD eradication as a priority. Wales Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine said the country has a strong foundation from years of annual screening, and that the new movement controls will accelerate the removal of persistently infected animals from the national herd.

The commercial signal for animal health is a step-up in demand for BVD diagnostics, ear tag technology and veterinary testing services across Welsh livestock supply chains. Suppliers positioned in the Tag & Test category, laboratory diagnostics providers and the wider veterinary consumables market are likely beneficiaries. Expect similar regulatory momentum across other UK devolved administrations as eradication data from Wales starts to accumulate.

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