Animal Health Ireland (AHI) has urged farmers across the country to maintain heightened vigilance for bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) as the breeding season approaches, according to the Irish Farmers Journal. The timing of the warning reflects the particular vulnerability of cattle during the reproductive period.

BVD represents one of the most economically damaging diseases in cattle production. When cows contract the virus during early pregnancy, the result can be persistently infected (PI) calves — animals that carry and shed the virus throughout their lives, posing ongoing risks to entire herds.

The disease's impact extends beyond immediate health concerns. PI animals typically show poor growth rates and increased susceptibility to other infections, while serving as constant sources of viral transmission. For dairy and beef operations alike, the presence of even a single PI animal can undermine years of herd health management.

Ireland has maintained an active BVD eradication program since 2013, requiring mandatory testing of all newborn calves and removal of positive animals. Despite significant progress — the country has reduced PI births substantially over the past decade — the virus remains endemic in the national herd, requiring continued monitoring.

The seasonal nature of cattle breeding makes this pre-breeding window particularly critical. Farmers who identify and address BVD risks now can prevent infections during conception and early gestation, when the virus causes the most severe outcomes. The alternative — discovering PI calves months after birth — results in both economic losses and setbacks to disease control efforts.

AHI's advisory aligns with broader patterns in agricultural disease management, where prevention during vulnerable periods proves far more cost-effective than reactive measures. For an industry where margins remain tight and disease outbreaks can devastate individual operations, the warning serves as a practical reminder of the continuing importance of biosecurity protocols.