Who knew we have a BVD champion in our midst?! Raquel kept this one very under wraps.
Last year, Raquel was a finalist in the BVD Zero Award which is run each year by Boehringer. The award is essentially to raise awareness of BVD cases throughout Europe and to encourage farms to ascertain their disease status. Raquel submitted a case from one of her clients in the Galicia region of Spain. A few facts about the farm:
- 600 head herd with 280 milking
- Closed herd for 20 years
- Very good biosecurity – each worker has their own locker and on farm PPE
- BVD vaccination since 2010 (inactivated BVD) and serology testing
Investigation started when there was an increase in the incidence of spontaneous abortion and embryonic loss. There was also a slight increase in the number of open days and serves to conception – indicating a decline in herd fertility.
The strategy following this was to detect and remove all PI’s from the herd and vaccinate using a live vaccine.
The farm was disease free for years and was vaccinating, so it’s a really good reminder of the importance of biosecurity and closing vaccination loopholes. If you want more information please get in touch.
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