Keeping on top of disease A high health herd status can increase the marketability of stock, while also
limiting the financial damage disease can cause at a herd and industry level. Becoming a member of a health scheme is the best step to protect stock from some of the most damaging endemic diseases found in the UK, says John Scholefield of SRUC Veterinary Services. The premium cattle health scheme, run by SRUC Veterinary Services, works with farmers and vets in order to identify and eradicate diseases which are financially damaging to individual businesses, and the industry as a whole. Accreditation is available for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), Johne’s disease, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), leptospirosis and neospora. By paying an annual membership fee, breeders have the option to test for just one disease or up to all five, receiving discounted rates on test prices. A list of rules and conditions lay out the workings of the scheme for breeders and vets including testing regimes, biosecurity measures, quarantining protocols and more.
Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) It is estimated 90 per cent of UK herds have been exposed to BVD, which in a large beef herd can cost over £45,000 across 10 years.
John says: “Our team of specialist vets are available to discuss any test results and action plans for your farm with your vet.
In herds infected with BVD, significant symptoms may not be shown, but the
“For both commercial and pedigree breeders, the potential to gain accreditation from the health schemes for these diseases allows you to add value to your stock when selling either privately or through auction, with many breed society shows and sales open only to accredited animals. It also allows you to safeguard your business when buying in stock, by
Johne’s disease
Neospora Clinical signs of neospora include abortion when females are between three and nine months pregnant. Abortion storms can occur when infection is introduced to a herd for the first time as well as still births or premature calves. Calves can be born
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following the rules of the scheme and preventing costly diseases entering your herd.”
Ultimately Johne’s disease leads to adult cattle wasting and dying. Before this, a progressive reduction in feed conversion efficiency and fertility is often seen. Clinical signs of diarrhoea and weight loss usually occur in cattle healthy but infected from an infected mother, with these calves going on to to abort during their first pregnancy and remaining infected for life. In less common cases, calves may be born
John explains the diseases the health scheme monitors. disease can cause reduced fertility, including lower conception rates, abortions, extended calving period and an increase in barren cows. It can also cause a suppressed disease resistance leading to pneumonia, scours and enteritis which can kill cows, as well as reduced growth rates. over two years of age, but it is most likely the disease will be contracted in infancy, with the animals spreading the disease throughout their life. Studies show Johne’s disease may affect 20 to 50 per cent of UK herds with the main financial losses being culling, weight loss and poor fertility.
Leptospirosis Leptospirosis
is
associated
with
infertility and abortion in both beef and dairy herds. Infected animals may
showing signs of nervous disease. Over
become lethargic and stiff with a fever
half of British dairy and beef herds are
and reduced appetite, while calves
thought to be infected by neospora.
may be weak and undersized.
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR)
occasional coughing and poor milk yield
In the most severe cases IBR contributes to severe pneumonia which can be fatal. In more mild cases, conjunctivitis,
endemic in the UK with an estimated 40
Representatives from the premium cattle health scheme will be present on their stand at all the major shows to talk to breeders. For more information please visit cattlehealth.co.uk or email pchs1@btconnect.com.
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may be the only signs noticed. IBR is per cent of cattle having been exposed to the virus in the past.