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The BVDFree Scheme, the national voluntary programme for the elimination of BVD from cattle herds in England, was launched on July 1, 2016. Cattle keepers can join BVDFree online (bvdfree.org.uk) or by completing a BVDFree registration form. Over 1000 farmers registered with BVDFree in the first year of operation. Laboratories designated by BVDFree upload the results of testing for BVD virus and for BVD antibodies to the BVDFree database. 40 220 unique records pertaining to tests for BVD were uploaded to the database in the first year of operation. Of the 32 909 samples from individual animals tested for presence of BVD virus, 180 (0.55%) were positive and 20 (0.06%) were inconclusive. Of 2853 samples from individual animals tested for presence of antibodies to BVD virus, 286 (10%) were positive. In 2018 the BVDFree Scheme will introduce a process for assigning a BVDFree herd status. The backing of veterinary surgeons and veterinary practices and all organisations which have signed the BVD Statement of Intent for BVDFree is key to improving engagement with the BVDFree Scheme and achieving the aim of the Scheme which is to deliver the next generation of cattle free of BVD to the next generation of farmers.
