Is a 3 metre gap between my herd and neighbouring herds necessary?
This is not a requirement for the Neospora programme
Neospora Testing
What do I need to do for the first herd test?
Test all female cattle two years and older plus any breeding females between 1 and 2 years old plus any bought-in female cattle. Evidence of a Neospora health plan being in place, with the mandatory elements of the control programme being followed, is also required
How quickly can my herd gain Neospora status?
A risk level will be given to the herd on completion of the first herd test. To achieve the highest Neospora health status (Risk Level 1) three clear, consecutive, annual herd tests are required
I have no idea what my herd’s status is for Neospora so can I test a proportion of my herd to start with?
You may wish to consider testing the high risk animals initially i.e. those that have aborted, had a stillborn calf or if a cow’s calf was born weak and died shortly after birth. However knowing the individual animal’s status for Neospora can be useful from a herd management, and particularly a breeding, point of view
Once I have gained a risk level for my herd do I need to test every year?
Yes, the herd test should be repeated on an annual basis. (Test all female cattle two years and older plus any breeding females between 1 and 2 years old plus any bought-in female cattle).
Which cattle do I test for the annual herd test?
Test all female cattle two years and older plus any breeding females between 1 and 2 years old plus any bought-in female cattle.
Neospora - Added Animals
What testing is required for bought-in animals?
Replacements should be sourced from risk level 1 herds if possible. If this is not possible, any prospective purchases plus their dams should preferably be tested in their herd of origin. Any positive animals or offspring from positive dams should not be purchased. If purchased without previous testing they must be blood tested whilst in quarantine. Positive animals should not be added to the herd.
What testing is required for animals returning from show/sale?
Quarantine testing for Neospora is not required on returning from a show