New Amendments to Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Legislation in Wales: What You Need to Know

In a recent legislative update, the Welsh Government has announced key amendments to the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) regulations, initially set out in 2024. These changes, effective from 8 May 2025, aim to refine and clarify the procedures surrounding BVD management in Wales. Here's a breakdown of what these amendments entail and how they might affect you.

Key Changes

1. Extended Implementation Timeline: The implementation date for certain provisions of the previous 2024 Order has been pushed back. Articles 35 to 41, which were initially scheduled to come into force on 1 July 2025, will now take effect on 1 July 2026. This extension provides more time for stakeholders to prepare for the changes.

2. Clarification on Veterinary Involvement: The language within the 2024 Order has been updated to replace "supervision" with "direction" concerning veterinary oversight. This amendment clarifies that a veterinary surgeon does not need to be physically present when samples are taken. This change is designed to provide more flexibility while ensuring proper guidance is still followed.

3. Pre-Movement Testing Window Extended: Farmers will now have a longer window for pre-movement testing. The period has been extended from 30 days to 60 days prior to moving an animal off a holding. This extension allows more time for testing, potentially reducing the pressure on farmers and veterinarians.

Regulatory Impact Assessment

The Welsh Ministers considered the necessity of a regulatory impact assessment and concluded it was unnecessary. This decision indicates confidence that the amendments will not impose significant new costs or burdens on those involved in cattle management and health.

Impact and Considerations

• For Farmers: The amendments provide additional flexibility, particularly with the extended pre-movement testing period. It's crucial for farmers to update their operational plans to align with the new 60-day testing window to ensure compliance.

• For Veterinarians: The shift from "supervision" to "direction" should streamline processes, allowing veterinary professionals to manage their time more effectively without the need for physical presence during sample collection.

• For the Agriculture Sector: Overall, these changes aim to enhance the management of BVD in Wales, potentially leading to improved animal health outcomes and reduced transmission rates.

Final Thoughts

These amendments are part of ongoing efforts by the Welsh Government to enhance animal health regulations. Stakeholders are encouraged to review these changes carefully and adjust their practices accordingly to ensure a smooth transition and continued compliance with Welsh animal health legislation.

For further details or to access the official documentation, you can visit legislation.gov.uk.