The Isle of Man is now free of BVD.

That’s according to government which says for the first time since 2013 the Island is free of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea.

It’s a serious disease which affects cattle – it can cause a complex range of diseases which interfere with reproduction, affect unborn calves and lead to fatal disease.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has been working closely with the cattle industry since 2013, with compulsory testing of all calves for the disease begun in 2014.

Control of BVD has been achieved by restricting the movement of infected calves and culling them.

Minister Geoffrey Boot said: "It is good to see that the cooperation between the department and the industry, and all the hard work and sacrifices made by cattle farmers, is now paying off.

"There is no room for complacency, as the disease is not yet eradicated, and constant vigilance is going to be needed.

"However, this is undoubtedly a major step forward."