Welcome to the summer issue of Livestock Matters. In this issue we have the second part of a two-part series on BVD which takes a look at the proactive approach several XLVet member practices have taken towards the eradication of BVD from their client’s farms. The article focuses on the practical measures implemented on-farm and also stresses the importance of the removal of persistently infected (PI) animals from the herd, for long-term control, and ultimately eradication of the disease. With summer upon us we also tackle the issue of flies in this issue and look at options to keep fly numbers down and minimise the stress and disturbance they can cause. We also have advice from Matthew Pugh from Belmont on the late-summer feeding of dairy cows to ensure sufficient nutrient intake during this period.