Press Release - National Beef Association urge Co. Down cattle farmers to participate in DARD's TB Biosecurity Study

National Beef Association urge Co. Down cattle farmers to participate in DARD’s TB Biosecurity Study.

A joint effort against TB is needed. Currently 5.41 per cent of Northern Ireland’s cattle herds are infected and the National Beef Association wants to work with government to reduce this.

To acquire more knowledge on TB spread, DARD has commissioned the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) to conduct a TB Biosecurity Study on farms in Co. Down.  It needs farmer’s co-operation as it conducts its survey into the reasons why some herds have TB breakdowns while others remain clear – even though each is in the same TB high incidence area.

“The results could be crucial to Northern Ireland’s approach to TB control and so it is important that a proper survey of farms is conducted”, explained NBA chairman Oisin Murnion.

“So the Association is urging those Co Down farmers who have received letters from DARD, asking permission for AFBI staff to visit their holding, to respond positively because the findings could influence Northern Ireland’s approach to control and eradication of the disease.”

“The Study includes a survey of badger setts lying within a 250 metre radius of the main farm building and the significance of this should not be lost on Northern Ireland at a time when Defra in England is about to close a consultation on TB eradication that includes badger control and the Welsh Assembly government has confirmed its determination to pursue a trial badger cull in a selected area of West Wales.”

For more information contact:

Oisin Murnion, NBA chairman. Tel. 07739 632048