New Dairy BVD Negative Programme Launching October 2025

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A new chapter in BVD control is on the horizon for dairy herds in the UK. From October 2025, SRUC’s Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS) will offer the new CHECS Dairy BVD Negative programme, designed to help dairy producers demonstrate effective BVD control—especially in light of the BVDFree programme ending in England.

This new scheme provides a practical and recognised route for herds to show compliance with buyer and certification requirements, including Red Tractor standards.

What’s Involved?

Outlined in the latest CHECS Technical Document (June 2025), the Dairy BVD Negative programme includes the following key requirements:

Quarterly Bulk Milk Testing

• BVD PCR testing must be carried out on bulk tank milk every quarter.

Youngstock Screening

• Choose one of two options:
  • Antibody check tests on each management group of youngstock, or
  • Test all calves born for BVD virus.

Achieving BVD Negative Status

To be awarded Dairy BVD Negative status, the following must be met over a 12-month period:

• Quarterly bulk milk testing completed.
• Youngstock screening carried out.
• All animals added to the herd tested for BVD virus (either before joining or within 40 days).
• All results must be negative.

Maintaining Status

To keep your status:

• Continue quarterly bulk milk testing.
• Screen each new calf crop.
• Test all added animals appropriately.

Vaccination of breeding stock is strongly recommended, especially where there’s potential for nose-to-nose contact with neighbouring cattle.

Who Is This For?

While this programme doesn’t offer the same level of assurance as full BVD accreditation, it’s a valuable option for herds that:

• Can’t meet full accreditation requirements, but
• Still need to demonstrate effective BVD control to buyers and assurance schemes.

How to Join

To submit samples:

• Use the latest version of the PCHS submission form.
• Make sure to tick the “Dairy BVD Negative” box.

Download the submission form here.

If you have any questions or need support, the Health Scheme team is here to help:
HealthSchemes@sruc.ac.uk

Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 19/09/2025