British Cattle Veterinary Association

In 2006, a BVDV eradication programme was designed in Switzerland by the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office focusing on finding and eliminating all virus carriers in the whole Swiss cattle population. It was agreed that all tools especially the diagnostic techniques which are necessary to start and work through such a programme are available. Early in 2007, farmer organisations agreed on the programme. In order to keep the programme costeffective and to allow for utmost traceability, it was decided that ear notch samples will be taken from all Swiss cattle allowing to link sample to individual animal identification. In spring 2008, it was decided that young cattle which will be moved to alpine pasture for the summer period need to be tested.