30pc of positive BVD herds in Kerry/ Limerick

Nearly one third of the country’s BVD-positive herds last year were located in a hotspot on the Kerry/ Limerick border.

Data from Animal Health Ireland (AHI) shows that of approximately 250 BVD-positive herds in the Republic of Ireland last year, 70 were located on the Kerry/Limerick border.

The hotspot is being monitored by AHI’s BVD Implementation Group. A new map developed by AHI to identify geographical hotspots shows “a clear hotspot in the North Kerry-Limerick area and other areas of concern, including an area in Co Monaghan,” AHI said.

The latter, it says, may be explained, at least in part, by the high level of infection in neighbouring counties in Northern Ireland, particularly Armagh, and highlights the importance of implementing measures to prevent introduction of infection and to detect and resolve it where present.

Hotspot

However, AHI CEO Dr David Graham told the Farming Independent that while they are aware of the Kerry/Limerick hotspot, it does not have a detailed explanation. “The BVD Implementation Group is aware of this hotspot and is monitoring the situation,” he said.

“While a detailed explanation of the specific causes of this one in North Kerry/Limerick is not available, we have met with local vets to improve our understanding of the situation and provide tailored solutions to individual herds.

“While still early, it is encouraging that we do not see clustering of positive herds in this area so far in 2024.”

He said that a number of studies have highlighted the proximity to positive herds as a major risk for infection.

“For example, recent analysis has shown that breeding herds within 400m of a positive herd have a one in seven chance of themselves being positive the following year.”

The Department of Agriculture is issuing biosecurity notifications to all neighbouring herds where there have been positive results in 2024, alerting them to this increased risk.

Graham said it is critical that herds receiving these letters review their biosecurity with their veterinary practitioners to prevent accidental introduction of the virus, and where these are not considered adequate, to consider vaccination.

Factors to consider include purchasing of cattle, movement of personnel, boundary contacts and equipment.