Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has approved additional funding for work on promoting welfare of farm animals at the time of slaughter in third countries and during long-distance transport.

The multi-annual financial support is being allocated to the World Organisation of Animal Health.

The minister made the announcement when launching the National Farmed Animal Health Strategy 2017 to 2022.

He welcomed the expansion in live exports which, he said, gives an important competitive edge to the cattle trade in Ireland, but which also, he acknowledged, led to concerns being expressed about distances travelled within countries of destination and over slaughter methods.

The strategy sets out actions to achieve optimal animal health in Ireland. “Upholding Ireland’s reputation for good animal health is vital to our ongoing efforts to secure access to the world’s markets,” Creed said.

Progress

Ireland has made excellent progress on brucellosis, Aujezsky’s disease, control of BSE and a substantial reduction in the incidence of TB, he said. “However, we must be mindful of ongoing threats to animal health, including the emergence of Schmallenberg virus and the resurgence of Bluetongue and avian influenza viruses across Europe.”

He announced €125,000 funding for Animal Health Ireland to allow it to begin work on pig health.

It is making substantial progress on BVD eradication and in improving milk quality with a focus on somatic cell count reduction, he said. Additionally, a new Johne’s disease control programme is being developed and progressed.

Minister Creed said that Dr Noel Cawley, Teagasc chair, would chair a review body on the progress in achieving the strategy aims.

He also launched the National Animal Health Surveillance Strategy 2016-21.

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