An agreement has been reached between the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) and the NI Meat Exporters’ Association (NIMEA) bringing into force a ban on cattle persistently infected (PI) with BVD from entering meat plants, effective from 1 May 2018.

After that date, PI cattle will be unable to enter the food chain. Given that PI animals cannot currently move off farm, except to slaughter, the change will leave those farmers who retain PIs with few options. Essentially, there is no point feeding PI cattle.

The most recent figures from Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI), the industry body leading on BVD eradication, show that there were around 1,400 PI animals still alive, more than six weeks after a positive test. These cattle are currently held on 850 farms.

As well as the risk they pose within their herd of origin, those cattle pose a risk to neighbours if out grazing this summer. Analysis of test results by AHWNI has shown that herds most likely to have a PI at a test are those that already have PIs in the herd, or have a neighbour with PIs.

To avoid the risk, the advice from the UFU is to deal with existing PIs now. Meat plants will accept PI animals as normal up to 30 April, as long as the animal is over 12 months of age. For a PI under 12 months, it should be humanely destroyed, and taken to either Linergy or Foyle Proteins. Both have offered to take one-third off normal disposal charges for these PI animals if delivered before the 1 May deadline.

Decision

According to UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt, the decision to implement a ban on PIs entering abattoirs has not been taken lightly. It is something the union has discussed at length with NIMEA. It has also sought, and received, support from other farm and industry organisations.

“Over the past number of months, we have listened to our members’ concerns and it is very clear that responsible herdkeepers have lost patience with farmers who are currently retaining PI cattle,” said Chestnutt.

There is also a level of frustration that the industry has had to find a solution to the BVD problem, rather than government. Ultimately, the preferred option is that DAERA brings forward legislation that would mean herd movement restrictions are put in place on those who retain PIs. That is the situation in the Republic of Ireland, but it cannot happen here without a sitting Government. If and when that legislation is made in NI, the ban on PIs in factories would be lifted.

Results

Meanwhile, the latest results from the BVD eradication programme show that 0.62% of calves are PI. That compares with 0.69% for the comparable period in 2017. While progress is being made, it is slower than hoped, hence the need for positive action.