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DAERA launches TB Partnership Steering Group
The group will share a report with DAERA minister Andrew Muir by the end of March.
Veterinary experts are among the group informing decisions.

A new bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Partnership Steering Group has been established to support the eradication of the disease in Northern Ireland.

The group, launched by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), will see experts from the veterinary, farming, environmental and industry communities collaborate to explore proposals.

The establishment of the group follows a report from chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher, which was released in November 2024. The report included 40 proposals recommended by Mr Dooher to target the reduction and elimination of bTB.

Mr Dooher’s report reviewed progress achieved since the 2022 Bovine TB Eradication Strategy. However, it also examined evidence of higher levels of bovine TB incidence in Northern Ireland.

The TB Partnership Steering Group will begin by examining the immediate priorities for action and the steps that need to be put in place.

It will then work through the remaining proposals, before reporting suggestions back to Andrew Muir, the minister for agriculture, environment and rural affairs, by the end of March.

Mr Muir will make an announcement on DAERA’s next steps soon after.

The TB Partnership Steering Group has already had its first meeting to discuss initial steps. Many of the proposals raised by Mr Dooher will require further policy development, financial and legislative assessment, and consideration from ministers.

The group is chaired by Mr Dooher, with representatives from twelve different groups sharing their views. This includes the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland, North of Ireland Veterinary Association and Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mr Dooher said: “This is a new and radical form of bTB governance for Northern Ireland and will be a unique coalition in managing the disease. It is important that government engages with this form of partnership working and enters dialogue openly with stakeholders adopting a solution focused mindset.

“We welcome the new members of the partnership group and look forward to working with them to develop a delivery plan which will outline key actions to be taken forward in the time ahead.”

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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!" 

Click here for more...
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