End of brucellosis testing in sight
Following a meeting with Department of Agriculture officials, the ISCA said it understands Minister Simon Coveney is actively considering a range of measures which should lead to this happening in 2015.
ICSA animal health group chairman John Barron said it will be appropriate to end round testing for brucellosis next year.
The Association would also like to see an end to pre-movement testing for the disease, depending of course on progress in achieving brucellosis-free status in Northern Ireland.
“Brucellosis testing has been a huge cost for farmers over the years in terms of time and resources, and has interfered substantially with the mart trade
“It will be very welcome to see an end to this,” he said.
Brucellosis in cattle is a highly contagious disease which is spread by infected material at time of calving which can also result in reduced milk yield.
