The Ulster Farmers’ Union has welcomed the announcement from Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill that there has not been a case of Brucellosis in Northern Ireland for three full years.
UFU President Ian Marshall said: “The fact that we haven’t had a case of Brucellosis in three years is a great accomplishment and it is extremely good news for our agriculture industry. Farmers and DARD have worked over the last three years to ensure this scourge of a disease is kept at bay and they are to be commended for their efforts.
“Towards the end of 2014 the Minister announced that Brucellosis controls would begin to be relaxed as a result of the progress made in eradicating the disease. Now that we have officially had three years without an incidence of Brucellosis DARD can apply to the EU Commission for Official Brucellosis Free (OBF) status and work can begin to look at the further rollback of Brucellosis controls. The UFU will be feeding into DARD’s consultation process on this.
“While we have made great progress over the last three years, I would urge farmers to still be vigilant and ensure that they are still complying with current testing rules and regulations. Eradicating Brucellosis would be a significant achievement and OBF status will go a long way in helping to open new export markets, which is very much in line with the plans in place to grow and expand our agri-food industry.”
