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Northern Ireland may be declared Brucellosis-free
cow
Brucellosis is a highly contagious cattle disease, characterised by abortions.
Last confirmed case of Brucellosis was three years ago

It has now been three years since the last confirmed case of Brucellosis in Northern Ireland, meaning the province can apply for officially brucellosis free (OBF) status.

Achieving this status would allow the government to reduce Brucellosis control measures, including on-farm testing and pre-movement testing - significantly reducing costs for farmers.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious cattle disease, characterised by abortions. It can pass from cattle to humans, causing serious health consequences.

Current testing rules are estimated to cost the taxpayer £8 million per year and farmers £7 million per year.

Commenting on the news, the president of the BVA's Northern Ireland branch, Simon Doherty, said it represents a "milestone" for vets and farmers.

Both he and the BVA's president John Blackwell said the news is a testament to the combined efforts of vets, farmers and government.

"[This] clearly demonstrates what can be achieved by vets, farmers and government working in partnership to tackle what is a serious disease, which can of course be transmitted to humans," Mr Blackwell said in a statement.

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer is beginning the formal process of applying to the EU Commission for OBF status. Agriculture minister Michelle O'Neill said it is hoped the status will be granted later this year.

However, she warned that now is not the time for complacency: "I would remind farmers of the importance of complying with the current testing requirements," she said.

"It is also vital to continue to report all abortions and any suspicion of the disease so that veterinary service staff can follow up with the necessary investigations."

Cattle farmers and industry representatives are urged to take part in a consultation - launching on March 6 - on the proposals to reduce Brucellosis controls.

If Northern Ireland is declared OBF, the department of agriculture and rural development (DARD) will have to implement suitable monitoring measures for at least five years.

View the consultation document here: http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/consultations.htm

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.