Bovine TB in Northern Ireland

The Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI) Statement

On 26th November, and in anticipation of the DAERA Minister’s announcement on his strategy for the control of bovine TB in Northern Ireland, the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland (AVSPNI) encourage him to follow the latest science, as he promised at the time of his
appointment. AVSPNI has already met with the Minister to press the case for a programme of
actions based on sound science. The full statement is below:

“We urge the Minister and DAERA to follow the example ofother successful authorities in the UK and R o I, which have delivered on targeted and scientifically justified wildlife intervention alongside evidence-based biosecurity advice and a testing strategy which includes increased use of interferon-gamma blood test where appropriate. By implementing these measures, the authorities in GB and R of I are now reaping the benefits through a decrease in bovine bTB incidence and a corresponding decrease in associated welfare issues in both cattle and wildlife. We should strive for a similar approach in
Northern Ireland in order to improve animal welfare, reduce mental stress in the farming community and reduce the financial burden on farmers, government and ultimately the tax payer.

“As Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVPs) we believe that we are best placed to deliver bespoke,
practical and cost-effective advice to farmers to help reduce the risks associated with TB but
we need DAERA to give us all the tools necessary to do so. Our discussions with our colleagues
in GB indicate that the recommendations by DAERA’s own independent expert panel, TBEP,
should be followed. TBEP outlined many actions to reduce bTB, including targeted and
scientifically justified wildlife intervention, and were previously ignored before being indefinitely
suspended.

“As an Association we believe we are at a crucial point in the fight against bovine TB. We
acknowledge that the discussions around wildlife intervention are extremely sensitive, but we
encourage the Minister to follow the latest science, to make the hard choices that will remove
the burden to our farm businesses and improve the health and welfare of all animals.

This AVSPNI statement is endorsed by the British Cattle Vet Association, a UK-wide
membership association with 1481 cattle vets as members.”