Inspections under the NI beef and lamb farm quality assurance scheme (FQAS) are getting up to date after being suspended for two and half months during the coronavirus lockdown.

On-farm checks recommenced in early June under a new protocol which is designed to ensure social distancing. Inspectors wear personal protective equipment and do not enter dwelling houses.

“To date feedback from farmers and inspectors has been very positive and the protocol has worked well in ensuring the safety of all involved in the inspection process,” said Colin Smith from the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).

FQAS participants can usually expect a routine inspection every 18 months, but the interval increased when on-farm checks were postponed during the lockdown.

“NIFCC (the scheme inspection body) are working hard to reduce this back to the target level before the end of March 2021,” Smith said.

The requirement to have attended (or at least have registered to attend) a training event on the responsible use of antimicrobials was added to the FQAS standard earlier this year.

Social distancing requirements has made this more challenging to deliver, but courses are available again to book.

“LMC are working closely with CAFRE, AI services and the industry to ensure courses remain available and, if the government guidance changes, that alternative options such as online courses are in place,” Smith said.