The farming community stands to gain approximately €100 million per annum from the eradication of BVD. Notwithstanding these gains which fall exclusively to the farming community, I have introduced a system of supports towards the removal of persistently infected (PI) calves.
Earlier this year, in the context of the compulsory phase of the Programme now reaching its critical third year, I announced a re-focusing of financial arrangements for farmers faced with the removal of persistently infected BVD calves born in 2015. The re-focused supports provide for an increased payment of €140 for each beef breed PI born in a suckler herd that is shown to be disposed of to a knackery within 5 weeks of the first test. A reduced payment of €90 will apply in respect of such calves disposed of to a knackery within 7 weeks of the first test. For dairy herds, the focus of the supports available is on the loss of the dairy breed heifer calf where there is a payment of €100 for each PI calf born and disposed of to a knackery within 5 weeks of the first test. A reduced payment of €50 will apply in respect of such calves disposed of to a knackery within 7 weeks of the first test.
In addition to the supports for removal of PI calves, my Department has committed to continue to provide, free of charge, a blood based test to confirm the PI status of those calves that give a positive test result on tag testing. The Department is also providing a blood test for the dams of those calves and any progeny of PI cows.