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Vets welcome £4m funding for NI farmers
calf
"The removal of PIs is the key to any successful BVD eradication programme."
Support package to aid BVD eradication

Northern Ireland's agriculture minister has announced £4 million funding for local livestock farmers. Veterinary organisations have welcomed the news as it includes measures to progress the country's bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) eradication programme.

Livestock farmers, including milk producers, will be able to apply for financial aid in culling BVD persistently infected (PI) calves within four weeks of an initial BVD test, and replacement of the animal. The funds have been provided under the EU Exceptional Adjustment Aid.

Seamus O'Kane, president of the BVA's Northern Ireland branch, said he was "encouraged" by the move, which was one of the key recommendations made in the organisation's manifesto, launched ahead of May's elections.

"Persistently infected animals do not always look unwell, but they do produce vast quantities of virus throughout their lives so are a significant source of infection to other animals," he explained.

"Providing financial compensation to encourage the swift removal of these animals from a herd is a major step forward in the control of BVD."

BVA president Gudrun Ravetz added: "The removal of PIs is the key to any successful BVD eradication programme, especially when it's backed up by the effective government, veterinary profession and industry approach that we're seeing in action."

The funding is also intended to improve pig meat quality, manage soils and nutrients more effectively and assist farmers in business planning and risk management training.

Andrew Cobner, president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA), said the support package is "great news" for Northern Ireland's cattle industry.

"BVD infection is a constant drain on the cattle industry, both through its direct effects and its indirect effects of making cattle more vulnerable to other diseases.

"Eradication of BVD is a very achievable goal and the benefits will extend into reduced antibiotic usage, helping to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance development."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.