UFU Ulster Farmers' Union : comment on further relaxation of brucellosis testing

Wednesday, 10 January, 2018

The Ulster Farmers' Union says it is good news for farmers that brucellosis testing in Northern Ireland will be further relaxed and will help to reduce the financial and administrative burden associated with this disease. The comments were made following DAERA's announcement that from 15 January 2018, for each of the next three years, the requirement for testing of beef herds will be reduced to one third.

UFU deputy president, Victor Chestnutt, said, 'Obtaining Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) status was a momentous achievement for both farmers and DAERA. There have been no confirmed cases of Brucellosis in Northern Ireland since February 2012 and the further relaxation of brucellosis control measures signifies that the positive work carried out by farmers to date has been worthwhile.'

Mr Chestnutt added that while the testing programme has been relaxed, farmers must not become relaxed in their attitude towards the disease. 'If we want to stay free of this disease, we must continue to report abortions or any suspicion of brucellosis to DAERA and continue to apply a good level of bio-security on farms at all times.'