New terms for NI vets who carry out TB tests
Current veterinary inspectors will soon receive a letter to inform them of the change in their appointment status.
Private veterinary practitioners (PVPs) who carry out TB tests in Northern Ireland will now be known as 'approved veterinary surgeons'.
The change was announced this week by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).
Previously, PVPs were appointed as 'veterinary inspectors' under the Diseases of Animals (NI) Order 1981, which according to the DARD, gives them legal powers that are not required for carrying out TB tests.
Current veterinary inspectors will soon receive a letter to inform them of the change in their appointment status.
Vets employed by the DARD will keep the title 'veterinary inspector' and will be able to use the full range of powers, including serving cattle movement restriction notices when they are required.
The amending legislation will also clarify animal movement controls during testing. When movement restrictions are in place during a herd TB test, PVPs will advise herd owners of the end of the test when all animals have negative readings.
If animals provide inconclusive or reactor readings, PVPs will issue an advisory document to the herd keeper to inform them that movement restrictions will continue until the DARD can interpret the test results and apply specific movement controls.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
