Diagnostics in the context of an eradication program: Results of the German bovine viral diarrhea proficiency trial.

•A BVD ring trial was initiated in a country, in which a control program is in place.•Ear notch, serum and milk samples were sent for virological or serological analyses.•By antigen ELISA (applied 26x), the status of every sample was correctly identified.•By real-time PCR (applied 54x), the sample status was mostly correctly classified.•For some of the applied commercial antibody ELISA kits adjustments are recommended.