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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th January 2016
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BVA welcomes abolition of brucellosis pre-export testing
Cows
Pre-export testing for brucellosis in Northern Ireland will be abolished from February 2016.
Testing will be abolished in Northern Ireland from February 

News that pre-export testing for brucellosis in Northern Ireland will be abolished from February 2016 has been welcomed by the BVA.

The latest easing in restrictions follows the EU declaration in October 2015 that Northern Ireland is Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) and means that breeding cattle over the age of 12 months will no longer require a pre-export brucellosis test.

Simon Doherty President of BVA Northern Ireland Branch said: “Today’s announcement is another important step forward in ridding Northern Ireland of brucellosis, and ongoing compliance with surveillance measures and biosecurity advice remains vital.

“Brucellosis testing will continue for the five years required, and we encourage farmers to fulfil their obligation to report any late-term abortion and deaths of calves within 24 hours of birth to their local DARD divisionary office. This continued vigilance, based on the precautionary principle, will facilitate appropriate follow-up and help ensure Northern Ireland remains Officially Brucellosis Free.”

Brucellosis is a highly contagious cattle disease that is characterised by abortions in cattle and can be transferred to humans with serious consequences for human health.

OBF status was granted in the Official Journal of the EU on 6 October 2015. It is almost four years since the last confirmed case of the disease, and over six years since the south obtained Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status.  However, brucellosis testing must continue for five years after OBF status is granted to ensure continuing disease freedom and to meet trade requirements.

Announcing the news, agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill said: "The benefits of OBF status are now being reaped by farmers. We are in a position where the major savings for industry, taxpayers and DARD through the gradual dismantling of the brucellosis scheme are currently being appreciated."

Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Robert Huey, recommended the change and pointed out that industry’s ongoing compliance with surveillance measures and biosecurity advice was necessary.

He said: "The ending of pre-export testing to Britain and EU Member States is good news for farmers. However, while we are abolishing pre-export testing and have significantly reduced the levels of other routine testing, we must not relax our attitude to the reporting of abortions or any suspicion of brucellosis.

“It is very important that we continue to stay free of this devastating disease. Farmers should aim to achieve excellent biosecurity standards and so protect both human and animal health."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.