Newsletter May 2001

WELCOME!
Since our launch on 1 February 2001, we already have 200 members.

Our first project to eradicate the occurrence of BVD in Orkney's cattle herds was just starting to get underway when the Foot and Mouth crisis struck. Unfortunately, because of the risk of spreading FMD, cattle blood testing was postponed for some weeks.

Our screening programme has now started again. Although we realise that testing your cattle at this time of year may be inconvenient if they are now at grass, anyone who has encountered the problems caused by BVD will probably be willing to bring them in to a handling facility. However, many of you have had your BVD screen test done and have acted on the results. For herds showing a positive presence, a whole herd test will be on the agenda, and the Orkney Islands Council will pay the laboratory fees.

The outer islands screening programme will take place later this year when the cattle come back inside for winter.

FOOT AND MOUTH CRISIS
The Orkney Livestock Association (OLA) was formed to promote Orkney's livestock, and our most valuable asset is the fact that we live in an island situation with only two livestock ports to mainland Scotland.

Thankfully, so far, we have remained clear of Foot and Mouth disease - thanks to the many preventative measures that have been taken.

The fact that Orkney is FMD clear, and that we have a health scheme in place, is attracting attention from south buyers wanting to re-stock.

The absence of BVD is a major plus factor when establishing a new breeding herd, or increasing numbers. We are hoping to invite potential buyers to Orkney when the FMD crisis has passed.

On a local scale, it is important to remember that if your animals are BVD free - keep it that way! Remember that bought-in animals of an unknown ' status MUST be quarantined and tested before introducing them to your herd.

Breeding cattle from certified BVD free holdings will be sold at special sales and can be advertised on the Hi Health web-site.

LEVEL 1
Our cattle testing programme is part of your Level 2 membership. Level 1 cattle health plan visits will be carried out by your own vet during the summer months.

This involves an inspection of your farm (buildings, fencing, quarantine facilities, husbandry methods etc), and it will probably take about an hour. This is an ideal opportunity to ask advice about any cattle health problems you may have.

You will find more information in your green folder that you received as a member of OLA.

BVD ACCREDITATION
Accreditation follows on after two clear annual screen tests of 10 animals -preferably aged between 9 and 18 months. Hi Health/OLA accreditation can only be given if the blood samples were tested at a CheCS accredited laboratory.

If you had a screen test performed out-with the OLA scheme (i.e. before 1 February 2001), it may not be eligible for accreditation.

If you require a whole herd test, you need to pass on your BCMS User ID number and password to Karen Tait, the OLA secretary, so that she can print labels for the blood sample tubes.

If you have lost your ID and password, you will need to notify BCMS so that they can issue new ones.