Ministers remove ‘last hurdle’ on brucellosis testing

Pre-export brucellosis testing on cattle in Northern Ireland will be abolished next month, the agriculture minister has announced.

The decision will come into force on 1 February and is for breeding cattle over 12 months old, coming almost four years after the last confirmed case of the disease in the country.

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Agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill described the move as the latest in a “gradual dismantling” of the brucellosis scheme after Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status was granted in October 2015.

She said the benefits of OFB status are being reaped by farmers and was “delighted” by progress being made on OFB, although farmers are urged to stay vigilant and report any signs of abortions or suspicions of brucellosis.

Delighted to announce end to Brucellosis pre-export testing. Last hurdle to trade will go on Feb 1. https://t.co/25hcvlbTti

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) January 27, 2016

Northern Ireland must continue brucellosis testing for five years after free-status declaration “to ensure continuing disease freedom and meet trade requirements”.

Simon Doherty, president of the BVA Northern Ireland Branch, said: “We encourage farmers to fulfill their obligation to report any late-term abortion and deaths of calves within 24 hours of birth to their local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development divisional office.

“This continued vigilance, based on the precautionary principle, will facilitate appropriate follow-up and help ensure Northern Ireland remains Officially Brucellosis Free.”