Name:

Matt Peters

Organisation:

Anexa FVC Rototuna

Job Role:

Veterinarian

Why I am behind BVD Free New Zealand:

We all know how much the welfare and economic consequences of this disease is costing our industry and BVD fits the criteria for an eradicable disease so the question should be why aren't we already doing it? Other countries have or are doing it so it can be done, we just need a coordinated and concerted effort with industry, stakeholder and government buy-in to realise this achievable goal.

How I support BVD Free New Zealand:

Most of the time it comes down to education and continually reminding farmers of the devastating consequences of disease as many still don't understand it or its costs. I make it mandatory for my farmers to sign up to bulk milk testing as a minimum and then work towards developing a management plan with them. BVD control is all about the PIs so I requested NZVP/IDEXX develop an ear notch PCR that allows us to test all replacement calves at disbudding time (ie <35d) and remove any PIs as soon as possible and well before mating. We have an in house BVD working group at AnexaFVC where we take an active role in pushing BVD awareness and to ensure our own vets are up to speed. Biosecurity is a hot topic for M. bovis but is actually more useful for BVD control so am using this opportunity to encourage all my farmers to get on board with biosecurity.

BVD Free Map