WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS ?

DISEASE CONTROL

A greater public awareness of farming methods has resulted in ever mounting pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics and other treatments in all herds, not just those which are organic. This means that greatly improved methods of disease control are now very much more necessary than in the past. Testing to the standards of a CHeCS licensed cattle health scheme is the first step forward to achieving this.

FINANCIAL GAIN

Controlling the considerable problems caused by disease will show a very noticeable reduction in annual losses. For example, it is known that in just 10 years, uncontrolled BVD in a 100 cow herd can cost at least £45,000, and for Johne’s Disease more than £20,000. Defra estimates that BVD costs the cattle sector between £25-61 million/year whilst Johne’s is estimated at £13 million/year. These are considerable and often underestimated costs.

HERD HEALTH PROTECTION

CHeCS licensed cattle health schemes advise straight forward health measures, specifically designed to protect the herd from re-infection. These are equally effective in keeping out other infectious diseases such as Bovine TB, Digital dermatitis, and Strep.agalactiae mastitis. CHeCS herd health planning is especially effective in protecting the overall health, welfare and profitability of the herd.

RECOGNISED CERTIFICTATION OF HERD HEALTH

Buying cattle only from herds that are known to be healthy is becoming ever more important. In this respect, herds in CHeCS licensed cattle health schemes are able to provide an owner's declaration of health status. This gives buyers the confidence that they are not buying in disease.

Testing cattle to the CHeCS recognised standard, results in a cattle health certificate, which is a tradeable asset of added value.