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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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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.