Participants in the NI Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) will soon need to have their antibiotic usage reviewed and signed off by a veterinary surgeon.

An update to the scheme standard takes effect from 3 February 2020 and includes the requirement for a vet to complete a new two-page review of the participating farm.

The new rule requires a vet to review the farm’s animal health plan, antibiotic usage and make recommendations on both every 18 months

Previously, inspectors only needed evidence that a vet had visited the farm in the last 12 months, and proof of a bovine TB test was commonly used for this requirement.

The new rule requires a vet to review the farm’s animal health plan, antibiotic usage and make recommendations on both every 18 months.

A similar requirement is already part of the Red Tractor scheme for dairy farms.

The amended FQAS standard also requires scheme participants to consult their vet before using critically important antibiotics, such as Baytril and Marbocyl.

Training

The other scheme standard change taking effect from 3 February 2020 is the requirement for someone in the farm business to have undergone training in the responsible use of antimicrobials.

Approved courses for FQAS continue to be rolled out across NI free of charge under the Farm Family Key Skills initiative.

If you do not enrol on a course prior to your inspection, you will receive a non-conformance

During an FQAS audit, inspectors will ask to see a certificate from an approved course.

“If you do not enrol on a course prior to your inspection, you will receive a non-conformance. To rectify this, you will need to provide evidence that you have enrolled on a course,” scheme guidance reads.

A third change which is currently being made to the NIBL FQAS standard is the requirement to cull animals that are persistently infected with BVD.

However, a time frame for the roll out of this new rule is still be confirmed.

“The implementation date for changes to BVD standard 2.15 will be communicated in due course,” a letter sent to FQAS participants reads.

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