VLA Scientific Press Release

VLA launches first UK cattle health improvement service for neosporosis

3 September 2010

Neosporosis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in cattle in the UK and is responsible for significant financial loss to the industry.

Herdsure®, VLA’s cattle health improvement service, announces the launch of the UK’s first Neospora testing programme suitable for all herds.  This service enables farmers to control this disease in a cost effective, user friendly and efficient way.

Herdsure® works in partnership with farmers and veterinary practices in providing a sampling, testing and management regime to establish the health status of the herd at three different levels:

  • Level 1 provides an indication of the herd’s neosporosis status.
  • Level 2 aims to improve the health status of the herd for neosporosis.
  • Level 3 monitors the herd’s improved health status.

Blood samples are collected from cattle during a specific period of pregnancy or when they are calves of less than two week old.  Two negative tests are needed to be confident that an animal is free of infection.  Herdsure® issues health status statements on the completion of each level.

Bob Monies, Regional Veterinary Manager at VLA comments:

“This is the first commercially available disease control programme for neosporosis. There is widespread interest from both vets and farmers.  Neosporosis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in dairy and beef cattle and this programme offers a way forward for those infected herds which have been struggling with control for a number of years.”

Herdsure® keeps a record of animals and test results for the farm so that administration and recording is kept to a minimum.  Positive animals are not to be used for breeding but may be removed from the herd at a time that suits their management, for example at the end of lactation.  All abortions in the herd are investigated and a number of specific bio-security measures are recommended.

Herdsure® supplies handbooks for registered vets and farmers with details of the disease, management recommendations, biosecurity, added animals and testing protocols.  A helpline is available for vet practices to support their clients with a team of consultants on hand to offer advice.

Herdsure® members pay a small annual subscription per year depending on the size of their herd for each disease. VLA offers competitive testing prices as part of the service.

For further information about Herdsure®, please see the Herdsure® pages.

Press release: Herdsure® & Neospora testing programme (28kb)