Healy Rae questions the continuation of BVD tagging

In a recent Parlimentary Question to Minister creed, Deputy Michael Healy Rae asked why is BVD calf tagging continuing despite it supposed to be a three-year plan.

The scheme was due to end in 2015 but has continued into 2016 and seems to be continuing into 2017. Michael Healy Rae also asked the Minister to clarify how many PI calves have been culled to date.

In his reply Agriculture Minister Michael Creed stated: “The BVD Eradication programme is an industry led programme which is facilitated and overseen by the BVD Implementation Group (BVDIG), not my Department.

“My Department is however represented on this Group along with farmers, veterinary and other stakeholders and experts. Recent data shows that very significant progress has been made in reducing the prevalence of the disease – with the Persistently Infected (PI) birth rate falling to 0.15% in 2016 from 0.7% in 2013 (the first year of the Compulsory Programme).

“I understand that a presentation on the most efficacious way forward in terms of achieving BVD eradication was made at the most recent meeting of the Group,” the Minister said, adding:

“The details of the programme for 2017 and beyond remain to be decided by the Group.

From the middle of June 2015, following on from agreement at the BVDIG, my Department put in place a system of herd restrictions, where farmers continued to retain Persistently Infected animals beyond agreed timelines. A total of 900 restriction notices have issued to date. Additionally my Department provides some financial assistance by way of financial support