Ulster Farmers’ Union President Harry Sinclair has said that he is pleased with the progress made to date towards Northern Ireland potentially achieving Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status and has welcomed DARD’s consultation regarding proposals to introduce a proportionate relaxation of the pre-movement testing controls for Brucellosis. The proposed change would see an increase from 12 to 24 months in the age threshold at which cattle require a brucellosis pre-movement test and an extension in the length of the related movement window from 30 to 60 days.
Harry Sinclair said: “There have been no confirmed cases of Brucellosis in Northern Ireland since 2012 and if this continues for a 3rd year then we will be in a position to apply for OBF status in March 2015. Brucellosis will forever be known as the thorn in the side of the Northern Ireland cattle industry and this progress highlights the efforts which have been made to tackle the disease. The UFU are aware that a significant risk of re-infection remains, particularly from imported animals or latent infection and therefore would urge farmers to be vigilant and pro-active in trying to prevent any re-infection. Should re-infection occur, it will be likely that a further 3 years minimum before OBF status can be applied here.”
