BHV1-eradication in the province of Styria

In populations with a low prevalence of BHV1 and a ban on BHV1 vaccination an eradication programme can be successful within a relatively short time. In the Austrian province of Styria BHV1 was eradicated within a few years b y a simple test and removal procedure. Illegal, international movements of animals and latently infected carrier animals are a major threat to the BHV 1 status of a region. By the implementation of official veterinary checks a nd a change in the additional BHV1 guarantees under the EU Directive 64/432 /EEC it should be possible to protect regions fee of BHV1 from becoming rei nfected. Surveillance programmes need to be established to prove the absenc e of BHV-1 in regions free of infected animals. Such programmes need to be based on biometrical principles, taking account of epidemiological aspects. The province of Styria has developed and enacted such a system for future BHV-1 control, having attained a BHV1 free status.