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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th December 2016
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Vets welcome Northern Ireland’s bTB strategy
Badger
The strategy includes a badger cull in areas with high levels of the disease.
TB group propose badger cull in high-risk areas

A long-term strategy to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland has been welcomed by the BVA and BVA Northern Ireland branch.

Launched in Belfast by the TB Strategic Partnership Group (TSPG), the strategy includes a badger cull in areas with high levels of the disease.

According to a report by Farming UK, the strategy also recommends changes to testing and requirements for better on-farm biosecurity.

Speaking at the launch, agriculture minister Michelle Mcllveen announced that she will consider the recommendations with a view to consulting on the approach "early in 2017".

Established in 2014, the TBSPG was tasked by the Minister of Agriculture with developing a strategy and implementation action plan to eradicate TB from Northern Ireland.

Welcoming the proposals, Seamus O’Kane, president of the BVA Northern Ireland Branch, said: “We are particularly pleased to see an emphasis on an increased role for vets in practice.

“The strategy underlines timely and appropriate communication to ensure all stakeholders know their own role in the effort to make Northern Ireland bTB free, signalling the importance of closer cooperation between farmers, vets and government.”

He added that the BVA was pleased to see the strategy acknowledge the need to control the wildlife reservoir and that they will look carefully at the detail of any proposed culls.

“Overall, we agree with the integrated approach advocated by the TBSPG’s proposed strategy and believe this is what is needed to achieve the long-term goal of TB eradication in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Gudrun Ravetz, president of the BVA commented: “England, Northern Ireland and Wales are all striving to control a disease that has a significant impact on animal health and welfare and agricultural livelihoods.

“BVA has long advocated a comprehensive strategy that uses every available tool that we have in the toolkit. The publication of TBSPG Strategy today is a significant contribution to this comprehensive approach in the UK and to the eventual eradication of bTB in Northern Ireland.”

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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.