ICMSA say BVD valuations and processes are underfunded, cumbersome and ineffective

The Chairperson of ICMSA’s Dairy Committee, Noel Murphy, has welcomed the contribution from Minister Heydon towards updating values in the BVD Financial Support Programme, but has stated that the funding – even incorporating the increase – will not even cover the value of the 2025 calf crop, much less the potential PIs in 2026.

“The updated values are not in line with the value for 2025 born calves and then we have to remember that we have seen calves double in price this year. This year we have seen Friesian bull calves exceeding €400 while continental bred calves have frequently exceeded €800. Much and all as it is appreciated, the updated figure is only a deposit on where it should be and will have to be revisited. The funding allocation for Animal Health in 2026 included BVD and that was specified as €3million. If we are to become BVD free in this country, then we need better use and allocation of funding made available”, said Mr. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy believes that the valuation process for BVD PI calves needs to be index-linked to the actual trade in marts and not just a figure ‘pulled out of the clouds’. He said there were numerous real time tools and methods of tracking and monitoring the value of calves and those need to be utilised if we are to reflect the actual up-to-date value of calves when paying for a PI.

“The value of PI calves is two years behind the real value in marts and when you take into account the stress and added workload a breakout of BVD can cause, the current valuation system is basically adding insult to injury”, he continued.

In addition to the demonstrably inadequate valuations, Mr. Murphy added that the payment procedure to receive compensation was cumbersome and long-winded.

“The fact that the animal has tested positive should be enough without having to fill in a payment form for each eligible animal removed. DAFM can see from the AIMS system that the animal is removed, and payment should be generated immediately from this. The requirement to wait till the following year to make payment is ridiculous; payments should be instantaneous or at the least synced with the Basic Payments from end of September onwards”, said Mr. Murphy.

“A scheme which began in 2012 as a voluntary scheme is now mandatory for all breeding herds since 2013 and the costs on farmers since its inception is getting on for €120m. The scheme has been a money-making machine for laboratories, and it is time the Minister moved past this dismal status quo and provided a fully funded BVD scheme going forward”, concluded the ICMSA Dairy Chairperson.

Ends    11 March 2026

Noel Murphy, 086-3815575

Chairperson, ICMSA Dairy Committee

Or

Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press Office