Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is one of the most economically damaging cattle diseases in Scotland, causing abortion, infertility, poor performance, and death. To build on the Scottish Governments industry-led scheme to eradicate BVD, Phase 6 of the eradication scheme begins on 1 July 2025, introducing key changes for all herd types.
What’s Changing from 1 July 2025
- Persistently Infected (PI) animals on a Non-Breeding holding must be separately housed from the first positive test. If a PI animal is still present within the keepership after 40 days, the CPH will be listed on the PI locator on ScotEID (in line with breeding herds).
- BVD management tags: BVD sampling from birth can now be carried out using management tags, although official tags are still recommended.
- Change to when ON movement restrictions begin: a 40 day period is allowed after the upload of a BVD Positive antigen/virus result, before ON movement restrictions are imposed. This period allows time for retesting of the PI by the vet, and/or removal of the animal. It is advised that the retest is carried out at least 3 weeks after the first sample was taken. Note: PI animals must continue to be housed separately from the first test.
Further to the above, there will be additional changes from 1 February 2026 as detailed on the BVD Phase 6 – Important Changes leaflet, which has been sent out to all cattle keepers.