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BVDFree England scheme
The BVDFree England scheme closed on 31 July 2024 – see our FAQs for information regarding the closure.
What did the scheme achieve?
The scheme was launched in July 2016.
During its operation:
- 6,972 holdings were registered
- 45% of all beef and dairy breeding cattle in England were covered
- 1,953 holdings had a test-negative herd status
- 1,559,800 animals had individual negative status
- Over 110 industry supporters backed the scheme
Objective of the scheme
The main objective for the scheme was:
BVD can and will be eliminated through a strong partnership of farmers, vets, industry bodies and the Government working together, with each doing their part towards achieving the common objective.
BVDFree supports and will seek to develop further industry initiatives to inform farmers and vets of the benefits of BVD control and to provide access to farm health planning and advice on BVD control.
Within the lifetime of the scheme, this was achieved.
It has led to co-design between experts, industry and the Government within the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. The planned launch of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway England – Endemic Control programme fulfils this objective.
Herd status certificates
Current herd status certificates are available by emailing bvdfree.certificates@ahdb.org.uk
Please provide the CPH, farm name and trading name to process your request and allow five working days for a reply.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can request your certificate by emailing bvdfree.certificates@ahdb.org.uk.
Please provide your CPH, farm name and trading name and allow up to five working days for a response.
No. Unfortunately, you can no longer access historic BVDFree test results as the scheme has closed.
We are only able to provide current herd certificates.
We suggest contacting the previous owner for historic test results.
The closure of the BVDFree England scheme means there is currently no operating national BVD eradication scheme in England.
However, the following programmes may be of interest:
CHeCS (formerly known as Cattle Health Certification Standards) operates four licensed programmes for BVD. Details about the CHeCS BVD programmes are available at BVD – Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (checs.co.uk)
The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, launched in England in 2023, offers farmers funding for an annual visit from their vet and includes funding to test for BVD.
Learn about the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
Read our guidance on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
If you're a vet, explore our Annual Health and Welfare Review resources for vets
Information on BVD testing routes and links to further resources can be found on our bovine viral diarrhoea web page.
We also suggest speaking to your vet who will be able to provide advice to suit your individual farm needs.
No. Unfortunately, you can no longer access historic BVDFree test results as the scheme has now closed.
No. BVDFree England issued certificates for the herd; individual animal certificates are not available.
As the BVDFree England scheme has closed, tag and test results are no longer available.
Contact your vet who should have a record of all testing results and enable you to certify your BVD status.