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Brucellosis free status granted in NI
cow
Preparations are being made for the phased dismantling of certain parts of the brucellosis eradication scheme.
Plans to scale back control programme
 
Northern Ireland has been granted officially brucellosis free (OBF) status by the European Commission.

Agriculture minister Michelle O'Neill said this achievement is "a highly significant milestone in the history of disease eradication here."

Brucellosis is a highly contagious cattle disease characterised by abortions. It can be transmitted to humans and has serious health implications.

Northern Ireland officials are already making preparations for the phased dismantling of certain parts of the disease eradication scheme. This will then be implemented as soon as possible after the commission's decision is published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Some of the scheme has already been scaled back. In June, minister O'Neill decreased the routine testing frequency for beef herds from one to two years.

Relaxing the testing regime will mean considerable financial benefits for the industry, the taxpayer and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

Minister O'Neill said the cooperation of farmers and stakeholders has been key to ensuring the success of the eradication programme.

"Official freedom is a remarkable achievement considering the grip that brucellosis had on the farming community just a few years ago...

"EU Commission approval of our brucellosis free status signals that the partnership approach that has been adopted in dealing with this devastating disease has worked."

Nonetheless, a surveillance testing programme for brucellosis must continue for five years after OBF status is granted. Deputy chief veterinary officer Colin Hart urged the industry not to become complacent.

"It is essential that farmers maintain their efforts to achieve excellent biosecurity standards and adopt appropriate stock replacement policies," he said.

"I would urge all herd keepers to maintain a fortress farming approach to protection of the health of their animals." 

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

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 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
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Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com