Welcome to the monthly bulletin from Iechyd Da. You will find useful information and updates all in one place.
BVD Cymru
Thank you to everyone who has submitted queries surrounding the BVD scheme to the Iechyd Da office, these have been passed onto BVD Cymru Governance and TAG groups.
We would also like to thank you for your continued support of the WVSC lab in Aberystwyth. To date, the lab in Aberystwyth has carried out screening bloods from 921 holdings, with16.2% of holding, recording a single antibody positive / suspicious or more results.
Screening results are now being uploaded by lab staff onto the BVD Cymru database.
WVSC lab staff do run a helpline for vets who wish to discuss screening results, however we remind vets that in the first instance you should always contact the approved lab to whom you submitted samples for guidance on interpretation and be aware that the WVSC staff do not have direct access to results on samples sent to other labs.
Study of the use of the Enferplex and IDEXX antibody tests
The Comparative (Head-to-Head) Study of the use of the Enferplex and IDEXX antibody tests alongside the Gamma-interferon test in OTFW breakdowns in England and Wales is still ongoing and APHA still needs to recruit new breakdown herds in both England and Wales.
New TB breakdowns are considered those in herds that have not experienced a previous breakdown in the last five years..
Overall the study aims to compare the performance of each of these tests in a limited number of infected herds and assess how combining them may affect the outcome. The data obtained from this study will help inform how these supplementary antibody tests could be deployed in TB breakdown herds in the future.
This study provides herd owners with an opportunity to maximise the likelihood of identifying all TB infected animals in their herd, reducing the likelihood of leaving animals with undisclosed infection in the herd when the movement restrictions have been lifted.
Changing your details on SAM
Should you need to update your details on SAM or change/add a practice, you will now also need to complete an OV58 form PRIOR to making changes to practice registrations.
This is required in order to maintain an appropriate audit trail, and therefore from now on we require this form to be completed.
Additionally, the OV will also need to update their Improve account and mention within ‘other information’, any other practices they work at as well
Avian Influenza
An avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of Wales from 00.01 on Thursday 30th January 2025. This zone introduces strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers.
The zone will remain in place until a reduction in risk levels indicates it is no longer required. The requirements within the AIPZ and other measures to reduce the risk of avian influenza transmission will be under ongoing review.
Information on the requirements of the AIPZ including the mandatory biosecurity checklist can be found in the declaration.
BTV 3 – Battle Bluetongue
The proactive campaign – ‘Battle Bluetongue’ – has been developed by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W) in collaboration with key veterinary and industry associations.
As there is no treatment for the virus, prevention through vaccination and restricted movements in affected areas remains the best defence.
To assist veterinary practices in promoting #BattleBluetongue and working with their clients to develop farm specific battle plans against the disease, a comprehensive pack of campaign resources has been put together.
