Updates

Please read below to see recent updates from the practice and changes in legislation etc.

BVD Monitoring Update in Scotland

There have been some important changes to Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) monitoring in Scotland as part of Phase 6 of the BVD eradication programme.

Testing of calves from bought-in pregnant cows

Phase 6 began on 1 July 2025 and introduced additional testing requirements for calves born to bought-in pregnant cows, often referred to as “Trojan cows.”

From 1 February 2026, calves born to bought-in pregnant cows must be tested for BVD before they are 40 days old, or before they leave the holding if this happens first.

The most cost-effective way to carry out this testing is through tissue tagging, which allows a sample to be collected at the same time as the calf is identified.

Don't miss the testing deadline

It is important that calves are tested within the required timeframe. If a calf has not been tested by 41 days of age, the herd will become BVD Not Negative.

This can have implications for herd status and may result in additional testing requirements.

If you regularly purchase pregnant cows, or have calves born from bought-in pregnant cows on your holding, please make sure these calves are identified and tested within the required timeframe.

If you have any questions about BVD testing, tissue tagging or your herd's BVD status, please contact the practice and we will be happy to advise you.

Castrating and Tail Docking in Lambs:

There have been some recent updates regarding the legislation surrounding livestock identification and tagging.

The consultation reviewing the current legislation has now closed, and new methods of identification have been introduced into legislation, including Clipfitter and NumNuts.

As with any new method, it is important to monitor animals carefully following application. If you notice any adverse reactions, complications or concerns associated with these methods, you are encouraged to report them to SRUC Veterinary Services. This information is important in helping to monitor the use and safety of these identification methods.

How to report an adverse reaction

You can contact SRUC Veterinary Services by:

Telephone: 0131 535 3130

Online: SRUC Veterinary Services – Contact Veterinary Services

If you have any concerns about livestock identification or tagging, please don't hesitate to contact the practice for advice.