e-mail: hihealth.admin@btconnect.com
QUESTIONS
1. I am a member of a different health scheme but would like to join HI Health. Can my previous results qualify towards/the continuation of accreditation?
Any previous test results for BVD, IBR, Lepto and Johnes can be carried forward to HI Health providing the samples were tested in a CHeCS Accredited Laboratory.
2. I have never been a member of a health scheme and I would like to join HI Health. I carried out a BVD screen last year that was clear - can this result be used towards accreditation should my next screen also be clear?
(Same answer as to question 1) Any previous test results for BVD, IBR, Lepto and Johnes can be carried forward to HI Health providing the samples were tested in a CHeCS Accredited Laboratory.
3. I don’t have good farm boundaries and neighbouring cattle can make contact with mine – can I still participate in HI Health?
All disease rules require farm boundaries that must prevent straying on/off the farm and nose-to-nose contact with non-accredited cattle. Cattle must not come into contact with non-health scheme cattle or cattle of a lower health status or they must be treated as added animals before re-entry to the herd. Bio-security is essential to achieve and maintain accredited status. A minimum boundary of 3 metres is required for IBR and also the BVD programme if you are not using vaccine as a form of bio-security.
4. I would like to test my cattle for BVD, Lepto, Johnes and IBR. How many and what group of cattle require testing for each disease?
The best advice would be to contact BioBest (0131 445 6101). They will be able to advise you and your vet of the requirements according to your herd size and circumstances.
5. Can I test my cattle for other diseases at the same time as my Brucellosis test?
Providing your vet is agreeable this provides an ideal opportunity – nobody wants to handle cattle more than is necessary! Your vet will however need to fill two tubes of blood from each animal – one tube will be sent for Brucellosis sampling in London while the other will be sent to BioBest in Edinburgh.
6. I participate in cattle showing. Can I still do this while in a health scheme?
Yes. You should keep your show team separate from your other cattle. When the show season is over you can test them again and providing all is well they can re-join the herd. BVD and IBR marker vaccine may be used to prevent infection while on the showing circuit, but be aware that there may be regulations that do not allow vaccinated cattle to be exported.
7. Can you provide Health Declaration Certificates?
Yes. We require at least two weeks notice to allow us plenty of time to enter your details and print them. They are produced at a cost of £5 each to HI Health members.
8. Can I advertise on your web site?
All HI Health members can advertise cattle on our web site free of charge – its all part of the service! You may even send photographs via e-mail to be included in your advert if you wish.