Dealing with disease can boost profits
Tackling infectious diseases such as bovine viral diarrhoea, leptospirosis and Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis through regular testing and ongoing management, not only improves herd health, but will also help profitability, Aly Balsom reports
Monitoring and controlling these key diseases through a thorough testing programme is essential for farm profitability, says vet Den Leonard of Lambert Leonard and May.
“BVD, Leptospirosis and IBR cause thousands of pounds-worth of losses every year. And because of the nature of these diseases, losses will often not be obviously apparent.
“Until the general risk of infection is diminished across the country, farmers should aim to have a disease-free, vaccinated herd. Only then will we be able to drive for eradication on a national scale.”
Regular testing for disease helps to confirm the absence of disease, not just the presence, says Robert Anderson, Merlin Vet Group. “When you know the history of disease in your herd you can clearly demonstrate the potential for exposure.”
And for all of these diseases, Intervet/Schering Plough offers subsidised testing from selected vet practices in the form of DairyCheck and BeefCheck.