NI pre-export testing for brucellosis to be abolished
The final hurdle with regard to brucellosis and the trade of cattle in Northern Ireland was announced on Thursday by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill.
Minister O'Neill announced that from 1 February 2016, pre-export testing will be abolished.
Until now, all breeding cattle in the north aged over 12 months old have been required to have a valid pre-export brucellosis test. This has applied to cattle moving to the Republic, England, Scotland and Wales, as well as to EU Member States.
O'Neill said the change is in line with the EU Directive that prescribes testing requirements to permit trade in cattle. "I am delighted we have reached the piont where my veterinary officials are content that the programme moves in this direction," she said.
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"Over the last year we have worked tirelessly to sucessfully steer the Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) application through Europe and to introduce significant programme changes at the earliest opportunities. This tremendous news should be welcomed by the industry and by all who have worked assiduously on the eradication of brucellosis."
Northern Ireland was granted OBF status on 6 October 2015. It is almost four years since the last confirmed case of brucellosis in the north, and over six years since the last case in the Republic. The Republic of Ireland achieved its official brucellosis free status in 2009.
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of cattle that is characterised by abortions in cattle and can be transferred to humans with serious consequences for human health. Despite the granting of OBF status to both Northern Ireland and Republic, brucellosis remains a compulsorily notifiable disease and Departments both sides of the border will continue with appropriate monitoring measures for the disease.
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Title: NI pre-export testing for brucellosis to be abolished
The final hurdle with regard to brucellosis and the trade of cattle in Northern Ireland was announced on Thursday by Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill.
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Minister O'Neill announced that from 1 February 2016, pre-export testing will be abolished.
Until now, all breeding cattle in the north aged over 12 months old have been required to have a valid pre-export brucellosis test. This has applied to cattle moving to the Republic, England, Scotland and Wales, as well as to EU Member States.
O'Neill said the change is in line with the EU Directive that prescribes testing requirements to permit trade in cattle. "I am delighted we have reached the piont where my veterinary officials are content that the programme moves in this direction," she said.
"Over the last year we have worked tirelessly to sucessfully steer the Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) application through Europe and to introduce significant programme changes at the earliest opportunities. This tremendous news should be welcomed by the industry and by all who have worked assiduously on the eradication of brucellosis."
Northern Ireland was granted OBF status on 6 October 2015. It is almost four years since the last confirmed case of brucellosis in the north, and over six years since the last case in the Republic. The Republic of Ireland achieved its official brucellosis free status in 2009.
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of cattle that is characterised by abortions in cattle and can be transferred to humans with serious consequences for human health. Despite the granting of OBF status to both Northern Ireland and Republic, brucellosis remains a compulsorily notifiable disease and Departments both sides of the border will continue with appropriate monitoring measures for the disease.
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