Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd March 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.