Government and stakeholder collaboration on bovine TB eradication
is moving from strategy to delivery, DAERA Minister has signalled today.
During an address to the British Veterinary Association/Northern
Ireland Veterinary Association reception at the Balmoral Show,
Minister Muir recognised the “unacceptable costs” bovine TB had
imposed on farmers' wellbeing, income and also the public purse.
But while he acknowledged there were no quick fixes, he insisted
progress was being made and described the TB Partnership Steering
Group's (TBPSG) ‘Blueprint for Eradication' as a “bold
step forward for government-stakeholder cooperation”.
Minister Muir told attendees: “Procurement is about to commence
for Northern Ireland-wide on-farm biosecurity assessments and
advice, with around 700 farms per year expected to benefit.
Progress is also being made on movement testing, alongside
work to improve farmers' access herd bTB history data.
“DAERA expanded the use of interferon gamma blood testing and are
actively working towards establishing the basis for its wider
use.
“We are also is working with the TBPSG on new criteria for
alternative control herds, while working with DAFM to deliver an
innovative cross-border project to tackle TB in the
north-west.
"In addition, significant progress has been made in preparing a
consultation on potential wildlife intervention options, which
will issue shortly, following completion of the required
environmental assessments and engagement with the Partnership
Group.
"These measures represent concrete delivery against my commitment
to change the trajectory of TB in Northern Ireland, reflecting
the central role of the veterinary profession in that effort.”
In a wide-ranging address, the Minister also focused on Northern
Ireland's response to Bluetongue and Avian Influenza outbreaks,
the Department's new measures in tackling Bovine Viral Diarrhoea
and also provided an update on the DAERA Animal Welfare Pathway
and the further development of equine traceability measures.
With the arrival of warmer weather, he urged vigilance for signs
of the Bluetongue virus, reminding farmers they needed to
maintain strict biosecurity measures, source their animals
responsibly and immediately report any suspicions of Bluetongue
to DAERA.
The Minister added: “To support disease prevention, on 15 April,
I authorised the move from the requirement for a specific licence
to a general licence for BTV-3 vaccination, making vaccination
more accessible. I strongly encourage farmers to discuss
vaccination with their veterinary practitioner.”
While the lifting of the Avian Influenza Housing Order for
poultry from 5 May was welcome, he stressed all bird keepers,
regardless of flock size, must continue to do their bit to
minimise the ongoing risk of infection.
While good progress had also been achieved by herd keepers in
addressing the challenge of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea, the
introduction of herd restrictions remain essential to prevent the
spread of the disease spread and would continue to be introduced
on a phased basis over a 16-month period.
“By continuing to work closely with Animal Health and Welfare NI,
the delivery partner for the BVD eradication scheme, and the
wider industry, we can continue the journey towards a BVD‑free
Northern Ireland,” the Minister said.
On the issue of equine traceability, the Minister said over 2,500
equine establishments had been registered in Northern Ireland and
work was continuing with the Irish Government to improve
information-sharing on cross-border movement of horses, in line
with the recommendations of the Professor Wall Report Action
Plan.
Progress had also been made on animal welfare issues, with the
publication of the Animal Welfare Pathway, the delivery of a
review of dog breeding practices, the launch of a dog ownership
campaign, plans to introduce Lucy's Law and the laying of
legislation on mandatory CCTV in abattoirs.
Consultations have also been launched last week on the use of
aversive training devices, microchipping reform, an inflationary
increase to dog licence fees and the regulation of rescue and
rehoming organisations.
These reforms are about modernising the framework, improving
compliance, and ensuring that welfare standards are meaningful
and enforceable.
