29 January 2008

2 minute read

Europe

Photo: QMSscotland

Luing breeders are offering bulls and heifers at the February 8th sale, and for the first time in a breeding sale every one will be tested for BVD and in a vaccination programme.

Breed Development Officers, Robert McNee and Neil McGowan, suggested to the Luing Council that a simple, standardised BVD Health Declaration form be introduced, their hope was that within a year or two all consignors who were not already BVD Accredited Free would test their sale animals to confirm that they were not virus positive and that all animals, whether Accredited Free or not, would then complete a vaccination programme before leaving home.

‘We are selling high value breeding stock’ said Robert McNee, ‘and most members are already in health schemes and recognise the benefits, but at the moment presentation of information in various ways is confusing. Our goal was to eventually be able to bill the premium sale as ‘BVD Safe’.

‘I am absolutely delighted that we have got there in the first year and am very grateful to all those who have taken the trouble to test and vaccinate. Our consignors appreciate that by doing this they are protecting themselves as well as potential customers.

‘Health declaration forms will be displayed in the market and each passport will carry a slip detailing the dates and the vaccine used to enable purchasers to continue the programme.’

TheCattleSite News Desk