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Posted: 31st January 2025

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.”

Image © Shutterstock

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RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent

News Story 1
 The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.

RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.

Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.

Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.

The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase. 

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News Shorts
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use

The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.

From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. They will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.

After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.

The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.

Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: "This decision to licence these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.

"Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock."