A dispute between DAERA and a pedigree Blonde d’Aquitaine breeder over the handling of TB testing and valuations of reactor animals has been closed by the department after 15 months.

Sean Savage from Ballynahinch had 15 pedigree animals down with TB over the course of two herd tests in early February and late March last year.

The second herd test took place 47 days after the first, which is 13 days less than the department generally advises.

In a letter to Savage, DAERA permanent secretary Noel Lavery said that this was due to an oversight by DAERA officials in resetting the computer system. Lavery apologised for the mistake, but said that while the department advises not re-testing for 60 days, it was not in breach of EU legislation for the test to take place before then.

“I understand that an early date of testing may result in more false negative reactions in affected cattle, therefore the early date of testing was detrimental for your herd,” Lavery added.

Savage also made an official complaint that DAERA staff used threatening behaviour and language towards him during the process.

In the letter, Lavery said that a complaints panel concluded “there was scope for you to interpret the tone and language differently to what they meant to convey.” He apologised and said that the panel recommended that staff receive more training in dealing with customers.

Savage also contested the valuations given by DAERA for the reactor animals. The valuations for the first batch of reactors were taken to an appeal panel, but the decision was not overturned. He then refused to proceed to the valuations appeal panel for the second group of reactors.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, Savage said: “The panel is not independent if the members are selected and paid by the department. It is also pointless unless someone on the panel has experience and qualifications in valuing pedigree cattle.”

The only option for the Co Down farmer now is to pursue appealing the cattle valuations in court through a judicial review and to follow up his complaint with DAERA’s handling of the TB testing with the NI Public Services Ombudsman. “I am considering what options are best to take next,” he said.