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CVO review of bTB in Northern Ireland published
“The status quo is not an option, change over short, medium and long term is essential” – Andrew Muir.
Chief vet makes almost 40 proposals for tackling the disease.

A review into bovine tuberculosis (bTB) by Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer (CVO) Brian Dooher has been published.

The report, which has been handed to agriculture, environment and rural affairs minister Andrew Muir, sets out nearly 40 proposals for tackling bTB in Northern Ireland.

The review will now be considered by the minister and his department. As a first step, the minister is setting up a new bTB Partnership Steering Group to produce a delivery plan based on the review and the 2022 bTB Eradication Strategy.

The group, which will include representatives from the farming, wildlife and veterinary sectors, will be set up by January with the aim of completing the delivery plan by March.

The proposals look at areas including protecting uninfected herds from disease, reducing transmission to other herds and wildlife, and the development of a wildlife intervention strategy.

On the issue of badger culling, which the report describes as ‘unconscionable and unacceptable to certain sections of society’, Dr Dooher writes that any decision made by ministers should be informed by science as well as other factors.

The report states that, if ministers decide not to cull, evidence suggests that non-lethal interventions might prove less effective, potentially making progress on eliminating the disease slower and complete elimination more difficult.

Herd incidence has increased in Northern Ireland in the past few years, with the rate at 10.41 per cent for the 12 months up to the end of October 2024. Spending on the bTB programme has increased by 39 per cent since 2020/21. The report describes the current trajectory as ‘unsustainable’.

Minister Muir said: “This is a pivotal report giving us a detailed and Northern Ireland specific overview of current challenges which has the potential to help put us on a much better course towards aim of bTB eradication.

“Collaboration and partnership working is key to help turn the situation around, it is of fundamental importance that industry, stakeholders and government work closer together.

“The status quo is not an option, change over short, medium and long term is essential. The mental health impact upon farmers is of deep personal concern to me and the significant financial burden upon both the industry and borne by government cannot continue.”

The full report can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.