Beef and drystock herds are now entering into the M. bovis surveillance programme. This also includes grazing dairy heifers.

The good news is that this new programme of work has been contracted to vet clinics around the country. This means that we can combine any surveillance testing with any other routine work such as scanning, trace element testing or even general cattle work.

This programme is currently voluntary, but it’s a great opportunity to get in and get your stock tested for free and at a time that’s convenient for you and your stockwork. Because we can combine it with other blood testing work (such as Trace Element testing, or BVD testing) means we can do this really economically.

For stud breeders, this could be another option to help guarantee your stock are bovis free. The eradication programme for Mycoplasma has been effective to date, with the vast majority of herds tested being free.

There’s a requirement to do a certain amount of testing in each region, so if you’re interested in getting ahead of the curve then get in touch and we will fit it in around your plans, and also possibly check out blood trace element levels ahead of spring.

If you have any questions, please contact your KeyVet.