Fresh rules to help wipe out a costly cattle disease are set to take effect this week.
From July 1, 2026, new legislation will be introduced in Wales as part of the industry-led programme to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD).
The rules will require cattle keepers without BVD Negative status to carry out pre-movement testing before moving animals off their holding, with only those testing negative—within a 60-day window—permitted to move.
Moving a BVD-positive or persistently infected animal will become an offence.
Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister Llyr Gruffydd said: "Eradicating BVD in Wales has been identified as a priority by Welsh farmers themselves — and ridding our cattle herds of this disease will bring significant benefits to cattle health and productivity, and also to cattle welfare, farm profitability and carbon footprint."
Testing can now be done by keepers using the Tag & Test ear tissue sample method, which aims to lower compliance costs by reducing the need for extra veterinary visits.
Animals of unknown status moving into Wales will also need to be tested within 20 days of arrival, under the new requirements.
Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer Richard Irvine underlined the seriousness of the disease.
Mr Irvine said: "BVD is one of the most damaging endemic diseases affecting cattle in Wales – so working together to combat it is crucial."
The legislation was shaped by the BVD Cymru Steering Group and makes Wales the latest nation to formally commit to eradication, joining Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and much of Europe.
Richard Irvine said: "The next phase of the industry-led eradication programme brings in new measures, including restricting movements from not-negative holdings in Wales, and the testing of cattle with unknown BVD status from outside of Wales.
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"Wales has a strong foundation to build on.
"Annual screening has already given us a clearer picture of BVD prevalence across the country.
"This next phase puts that knowledge into action.
"I commend the ongoing work of the BVD Steering Group and Technical Advisory Group and encourage all cattle keepers to check their herd's status through EIDCymru now."
John Griffiths, chair of the BVD Cymru Steering Group, urged all cattle keepers to take action.
Mr Griffiths said: "We are asking every cattle keeper in Wales to check their herd's BVD status now and make sure they understand what is required of them from 1 July."
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