Minister launches body to improve overall animal health standards

A NEW body which aims to improve overall animal health standards has been launched by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith.

Animal Health Ireland hopes to secure improved profitability for farmers and international competitiveness of livestock products through a co-ordinated national approach to animal health.

Mr Smith said the launch represented the results of extensive discussions with the various industry stakeholders within the agri-food industry, in particular primary producers, food processors and service providers.

He said it was clear there was a genuine commitment by all interested parties to work together on an initiative to address a range of animal health and related issues.

The initiative also gives effect to a commitment in the Programme for Government to introduce a Herd Health Initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases and conditions. It is modelled on international examples of success in animal health, but adapted to Irish conditions.

Mr Smith said the initiative will complement the existing animal health programmes for regulated diseases and focus on non-regulated animal health issues. He said there was general agreement among stakeholders that such a body was needed to drive the initiative and that it should be overseen by a steering group selected on the basis of competencies.

In turn, that group would be overseen by a stakeholders group comprising representatives of the organisations that among other things will be co-financing the initiative.

Mr Smith said the health status of the national herd now and in the future will be a critical element in assisting farmers to add value to farm incomes and allowing Irish food products to remain competitive in a world trading environment.