Support For Eradicating Brucellosis

NORTHERN IRELAND, UK - Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA received a clear message of support from farmers for her work to stamp out Brucellosis in the north of Ireland.
calendar icon 27 January 2010
clock icon 3 minute read

More than 150 farmers attended a packed meeting at Ti Chulainn, Mullaghbane on Monday night to hear the Minister outline the ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease.

The Minister said: “Brucellosis brings misery to not just animals but the whole farming community and I am determined to work towards the eradication of this disease. Significant progress has already been made on tackling brucellosis and the industry and Government will continue to work together, aiming to achieve its eradication over the next few years.”

At the meeting, which was attended by top veterinary staff from DARD and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (DAFF), Ulster Farmers’ Union representatives as well as local MLAs and councillors, the Minister praised the work of the local Liaison Group.

The Minister said: “I would commend the members of the Farmers’ Liaison Group in Newry for their contribution to local meetings. I would like to thank the farmers involved for giving up their time to attend meetings and discuss issues that are relevant to them and all of you in the local farming community. I am also pleased to hear that the group wishes to continue with their regular meetings.

"Increased communication between DARD staff and local farmers brings benefits in terms of improved understanding of each others’ situations. I am pleased that positive discussions have taken place and encourage others to join this useful exercise.”

Referring to the recent incident of malicious dumping of a brucellosis infected carcase in a farmer’s field at Lislea, resulting in a herd of 83 cattle having to be slaughtered, the Minister told the meeting she had met with the farmer and his family and sympathised with them over the outrage, which had angered the entire community in Co Armagh and further afield.

The Minister said: “The hunt is going on for those responsible for the terrible action at Lislea and I hope, for the sake of the entire farming community, that we have early results.”

The Minister repeated her appeal for assistance to DARD officials and the PSNI in their investigation. Farmers on the ground and anyone with information about this incident should report it directly to her, or to the local DARD Divisional Veterinary Office, or to the PSNI.

The Minister said: “DNA science is being used in the search to track down those responsible for this incident. Samples taken from the foetus and the precise strain of the bacterium are being analysed, so that genetic identification of the source of the infected foetus will be possible.

“My officials have also reviewed the appropriateness of the brucellosis control measures in this area. It is important that we achieve maximum control of brucellosis but not at any cost. We are all aware that budgets are increasingly constrained. Therefore it is important that our actions are proportionate and represent best value for money. So I want every case of Brucellosis to be looked at closely by my officials on an individual basis.

“As this may not be an isolated incident, I would ask all farmers to be extremely vigilant and to report all abortions to their local Divisional Veterinary Office.

“I know that restrictions have been placed on herds considered to be at risk and that extra testing for Brucellosis is being carried out in this area. I appeal to you, and to all the farmers in the community, for your continued vigilance and cooperation. I believe that the prevention of this disease and our ultimate aim of its early eradication will be worth these efforts.”

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