New Animal Health Initiative Taking Shape
NORTHERN IRELAND, UK - Plans are moving ahead for a new industry led animal health initiative to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) from the Northern Ireland cattle herd.
22 May 2012
2 minute read
BVD is a viral disease which can significantly reduce production on livestock farms. The Ulster Farmers’ Union and members of the NI Cattle Health Steering Group (CHSG) have agreed a number of proposals for a province wide eradication programme.
Speaking on behalf of the working group, UFU President Harry Sinclair said; “In recent weeks we have made significant progress in securing funding commitments from both the Dairy and Red Meat sectors to help resource and drive this initiative forward. We are also working closely with the Department of Agriculture to consider their input to this progressive project and we are very pleased that the Minister has now agreed in principle to match the contributions committed by all the relevant stakeholders in the industry to get this initiative off the ground. We are aiming to have a voluntary BVD eradication programme in place by 1st January 2013 and in tandem we will also be tackling other production diseases such as Johne’s”.
The industry led NI animal health working group are also working closely with Animal Health Ireland who are co-ordinating BVD eradication in the South of Ireland, with the joint target of eradicating BVD from the island of Ireland. A key aspect of the proposals in Northern Ireland will be the establishment of a new industry controlled company that will take forward the direction and implementation of animal health projects throughout Northern Ireland.
TheCattleSite News Desk
