Possibilities and limitations of using bulk milk samples for BVDV surveillance - insights from a practical approach

In light of the progress made in combating BVD, Germany is planning to switch from mandatory ear-notch testing to serological surveillance, which offers several important advantages. Most notably that sample collection is both animal-friendly and cost-effective. This study aims to evaluate, whether and under which conditions bulk milk samples are suitable for reliable herd-level surveillance in the German federal state BW, and to what extent existing structures can be utilized.