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Vets welcome £4m funding for NI farmers
calf
"The removal of PIs is the key to any successful BVD eradication programme."
Support package to aid BVD eradication

Northern Ireland's agriculture minister has announced £4 million funding for local livestock farmers. Veterinary organisations have welcomed the news as it includes measures to progress the country's bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme.

Livestock farmers, including milk producers, will be able to apply for financial aid in culling BVD persistently infected (PI) calves within four weeks of an initial BVD test, and replacement of the animal. The funds have been provided under the EU Exceptional Adjustment Aid.

Seamus O'Kane, president of the BVA's Northern Ireland branch, said he was "encouraged" by the move, which was one of the key recommendations made in the organisation's manifesto, launched ahead of May's elections.

"Persistently infected animals do not always look unwell, but they do produce vast quantities of virus throughout their lives so are a significant source of infection to other animals," he explained.

"Providing financial compensation to encourage the swift removal of these animals from a herd is a major step forward in the control of BVD."

BVA president Gudrun Ravetz added: "The removal of PIs is the key to any successful BVD eradication programme, especially when it's backed up by the effective government, veterinary profession and industry approach that we're seeing in action."

The funding is also intended to improve pig meat quality, manage soils and nutrients more effectively and assist farmers in business planning and risk management training.

Andrew Cobner, president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), said the support package is "great news" for Northern Ireland's cattle industry.

"BVD infection is a constant drain on the cattle industry, both through its direct effects and its indirect effects of making cattle more vulnerable to other diseases.

"Eradication of BVD is a very achievable goal and the benefits will extend into reduced antibiotic usage, helping to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance development."

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk