Dutch BVDV Control Program - Evaluation 2018 - 2023.

Since 2018, Dutch dairy farmers are obliged to opt for one of 4 routes to achieve BVDV freedom in the national BVDV eradication program. This observational study evaluated efficacy of the total BVDV program using indicators such as number of persistent infected cattle (PI's), percentage of dairy herds with a BVDV-free status, percentage of BVDV-free dairy herds with evidence of introduction of BVDV and, as well as a cost calculation per route. The Dutch BVDV program appeared to be successful as the percentage of BVDV-free dairy herds increased from 59 percent at the start of the program to 89 percent by the end of 2023.

A dynamic framework for calculating the biomass of fattening pigs with an application in estimating the burden of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in the Netherlands.

Gaining insight into the size and composition of national pig populations can support decisions on disease control, welfare, and environmental sustainability. However, if one needs to draw meaningful comparisons between the performance of various production systems or countries, a method for standardization is required. One approach to achieve this is by means of biomass estimation.

Evaluation of a voluntary passive surveillance component in cattle through notification of excess mortality.

Passive surveillance can be most effective in the early detection of disease outbreaks given that farmers observe their animals daily. The European Animal Health Law states that unexplained excess mortality should be reported to the veterinary authorities. In the Netherlands, in addition to notifications to the competent authority, Royal GD is commissioned a passive surveillance component that consists of a veterinary helpdesk and postmortem examination for early detection of emerging diseases.