Frustration at lack of clear BVD programme info
Reporter:
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IFA Animal Health Chairman Pat Farrell has strongly criticised the Department of Agriculture’s approach to the BVD programme.
He said the lack of clear and concise relevant information in the enhanced programme for 2021 to farmers who identify PIs has added unnecessary stress and frustration on these farms.
“Farms where PIs are identified are restricted, but allowed move animals under permit. These movements are allowed to non-breeding outlets and include sales for export and to calf rearing farms that are non-breeding. In addition, movements out for contract rearing are also permitted. Movements to slaughter are not affected by the restriction,” he said.
Enhanced wildlife control measures and more detailed investigations into on farm breakdowns are understood to be included in a new bovine TB eradication strategy agreed between farm organisations and the Department of Agriculture.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue said the agreement marks an important step in building on our collective efforts to reduce TB levels to the benefit of Irish farmers.
It comes as the pace of deterioration has accelerated in 2020. Herd incidence at 4.35% is now at its highest level since 2012 while reactor numbers at 22,700 are back at 2009 rates. Relative to 2019, an additional 13 herds per week experienced a TB restriction in 2020.