Work

Evaluating the effectiveness & costs of strategies post-eradication to monitor for freedom from BVDV infection in Ireland

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: CONTEXTThe implementation of policies related to large-scale food safety programmes in the livestock sector requires a detailed understanding of the potential benefits and risks and the associated costs. This becomes evident in the planning of a subsequent Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) surveillance programme in Ireland. The Irish national BVD eradication programme has been effective in reducing national disease burden and has recently been approved by the European Commission. In anticipation of achieving freedom, there is an ongoing discussion regarding appropriate strategies post-eradication to monitor for continued freedom from Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) virus infection of the national cattle sector. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study is to evaluate the trade-off between the performance of different testing protocols and their associated costs in monitoring Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) post-eradication in the national cattle sector. By assessing various testing strategies, including bulk tank milk (BTM) testing, first lactation check tests (FLCT), abattoir tests, and youngstock check test (YSCT), the aim is to provide informed input for implementing a long-term sustainable monitoring strategy. METHODSIn this study, we apply alternative testing protocols to a modelled cattle population, using combinations of BTM testing, FLCT, abattoir tests, and YSCT. The YSCT, focusing on high-risk herds by collecting blood samples from young, homebred animals between nine and 18 months of age, was a key component of the analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSAll tested protocols are capable of timely detection of a BVDV outbreak, with detection times of less than one year. Our results highlight the impact of reducing herd coverage by YSCT on post-eradication surveillance for BVDV freedom. By evaluating the trade-off between increased costs and shortened time to detection, this study provides valuable insights for selecting an appropriate monitoring policy in post-eradication programmes. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings of this study offer guidance on balancing costs and detection efficiency in monitoring BVDV post-eradication. Understanding the implications of different testing strategies can aid policymakers in making informed decisions to ensure the continued freedom from Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus in the national cattle sector.

Source: Agricultural Systems

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.104127