Outbreak of disease in bulls ‘will not affect’ spring cattle breeding

FARM groups have welcomed the fact that spring 2011 cattle breeding will not be affected by an IBR outbreak among bulls housed at three National Cattle Breeding Centre (NBCB) accommodation centres.

The NBCB has confirmed traces of the upper respiratory tract illness Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis among some bulls at its centre at Enfield, Co Meath. However, the centre has significant reserves of semen in stock to meet spring 2011 demands.

Upon the outbreak, the NBCB instantly notified the Department of Agriculture. Appropriate agreed actions were taken and all affected bulls are to be slaughtered.