New Cattle Legislation introduced in Wales

To enable a cattle industry-led strategy to eradicate bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) in Wales, new laws will be adopted. Farmers and herders will have to test just a certain amount of cattle each year to evaluate their cattle for BVD starting on July 1, 2024.

For the duration of their lifespans, they will also have to keep consistently afflicted cattle separate from the remaining herd.

The modifications are a part of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (Wales) Order 2024, that the Welsh government and the cattle industry produced.

Dr. Richard Irvine, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, listed improved cow welfare, output, and fertility as advantages of being BVD-free.

“Eliminating BVD can reduce costs and the carbon footprint of your herd,” Dr. Richard Irvine stated, “maintaining a BVD-free status strengthens the health and welfare of our cattle farms in Wales and can also help reduce antibiotic usage.’’