CSL stand at Fintona will have the most up to date BVD news

“We have put in place a comprehensive BVD advisory service for farmers right across Northern Ireland,” explained CSL managing director Ian McNiece.

“This will include the provision of the new tags, the co-ordination of the required tissue sample analysis for each newborn calf and comprehensive advice for farmers on how the new scheme will impact on their businesses.

“It all adds up to the BVD Free NI scheme.”

McNiece continued: “The new legislation means a significant change in what the farmer has to do, both in terms of the actual tagging of newborn calves and who they have to deal with thereafter.

“Given our extensive experience during the voluntary phase of the BVD eradication programme and engaging with farmers in the ROI, where testing has been compulsory since 2013, Countryside has identified that there is a significant knowledge gap, where farmers are concerned, with regard to BVD tagging and testing.”

The CSL managing director recognises that the new BVD tag and test service will come at a cost.

“But it’s one worth paying,” he stressed.

“Eradicating BVD has a pay back of £10 for every £1 spent. Yes, BVD tags will be more expensive as they include the lab testing fee and with downward pressures on milk and beef prices we understand farmers need value for money right now.

“As a result Countryside and its partners in the BVD Free NI campaign will be supplying the market leading German engineered Caisley™ tag.

“With a retention rate of over 99% the need for replacements tags will significantly decline.”

In order to ensure that every farmer in Northern Ireland can avail of the new service CSL has joined forces with Ai Services, whose technicians will bring the advice and actual tagging service, which individual farmers may need, directly into their own yards.

Ian McNiece again: “Our partnership with AI Services is a new and convenient way for the farmer to access and buy tags.

“Courtesy of the BVD Free NI initiative we will also be working closely with veterinary practices, UFU regional offices and a select number of farm merchants to ensure farmers get the help and guidance they need.”

CSL is the main supplier of BVD tags in Northern Ireland with an experienced team that will provide direct sales and advice through the BVD FREE NI Hotline (028 8778 9770). Farmers can call into CSL for their BVD tags and advice or phone to have them delivered to anywhere in Northern Ireland

The BVD Free NI website (www.bvdfreeni.com) has also been launched. It contains all relevant information relating to the new service and will be updated regularly over the coming weeks and months.

CSL will be on ‘Stand 508’ at this year’s Fintona event.