References
Gwaredu BVD scheme: what next?
Abstract
The Gwaredu BVD Scheme was launched in 2017 as a voluntary initiative to remove the disease from the Welsh national herd. In total, 85% of farms were tested and the government is now looking at making the scheme mandatory.
Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) has been the focus of much attention over the past decades in the UK, as a disease that impacts the cattle industry, with Scotland starting the discussion and taking action to remove the disease from their national herd. The Welsh industry began discussions on following suit and this led to a voluntary programme – Gwaredu BVD.
At the Royal Welsh Agricultural show held in July 2017, the Gwaredu BVD Scheme was launched. Industry led, this scheme was conceived as the first, and voluntary, part of a pathway for the Welsh cattle industry to achieve eradication of BVD in Wales. In total, £10 million was made available for BVD control activities through the European Rural Development fund and the Welsh Government. This project was managed collaboratively by the Royal Veterinary College and Coleg Sir Gar.
The scheme was supported by a wide range of stakeholders within the Welsh cattle industry and many of these supporters formed a steering group to help guide the project. Importantly, these stakeholders include the Farming unions of Wales (NFU Cymru and Farmers’ Union of Wales).
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