Ms Lockhart said: ”BVD is a serious endemic disease which significantly compromises animal health and welfare. The BVD Eradication Scheme Order (NI) came into play at the beginning of March 2016, and while compulsory tissue tagging and testing of newborn calves has helped to reduce the incidence of the disease, additional measures are needed to eradicate it completely.

“I have been working alongside the UFU and DUP party colleagues in Stormont for a number of years, lobbying DAERA and campaigning for further measures to combat BVD. Northern Ireland is almost nine years into its eradication programme, but the end goal has been out of reach in recent years because DAERA failed to legislate to remove persistently infected (PI) animals that have been retained on farms.”

The Upper Bann MP added: “Former agriculture Minister Edwin Poots launched an industry consultation between October and December 2022. The measures which proposed herd restrictions and the removal of all PI animals to break the transmission of infection, were welcomed by 100% of respondents.

“I am pleased that the Department has finally brought forward the legislation initially derived by Minister Poots, following engagement with Animal Health and Welfare NI, who are responsible for delivering the BVD eradication scheme.”

BVD is a complex disease with a negative impact on herd fertility, performance and overall productivity. It also supresses disease resistance and can lead to mortality.

Carla Lockhart MP added: ”The majority of farmers fully appreciate the financial strains caused by BVD. PI (persistently infected) animals fail to thrive and are responsible for shedding the virus and infecting herd counterparts.

“A significant number of herd owners in Northern Ireland have been committed to eradicating BVD and I commend them on their efforts. Significant progress has been made since the introduction of the scheme, but I am urging those who haven’t already engaged to act now to implement the required protocols. BVD eradication is within reach in Northern Ireland.

“Stamping out BVD will boost herd productivity and profitability, enhance animal health and welfare, contribute to a reduction in antimicrobial usage, help to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and open up EU trade barriers.”

Under the BVD Eradication Scheme Order (NI) 2016 herd owners are required to sample all calves within 20 days of birth. Animals without a negative BVD status must also be tested.

The new 2024 BVD Order outlines herd movement restrictions which will be phased in from 1^st February 2025 onwards. Herds with positive PI or inconclusive test results will be given a 28-day ‘grace period’ before restrictions are applied. This will be reduced to seven days from 1^st May 2025 onwards, and to zero days from 1^st February 2026.

Cattle born before 16^th March 2016 must be tested if they don’t already have a negative BVD status.  Movement restrictions will apply to herds and associated herds with animals of unknown status from 1^st June 2025.

From 1^st February 2026 herds retaining positive animals will have movement restrictions placed on all breeding age females.

Ms Lockhart concluded: ”The guidelines are very clear. Proactive identification and removal of PI calves and adult cattle is crucial in the fight to eradicate BVD. DAERA estimates that only a small number of herds will be impacted.

“ I would encourage all bovine livestock keepers to familiarise themselves with the legislation and take positive steps towards eradicating BVD in Northern Ireland. If herd owners comply now they will be able to avoid the movement restrictions outlined in the new legislation.”

Full details of the BVD Control Order (NI) 2024 are available on the DAERA website.