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There are no imminent changes coming to rules around Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in NI, a department spokesperson has said.
Industry representatives have been calling for stricter measures for those who retain calves that are persistently infected (PI) with BVD.
This includes movement restrictions on all cattle within herds that keep PI animals, as well as biosecurity notifications to their neighbouring herds, dubbed ‘name and shame’ letters.
In 2018, DAERA confirmed that it had drafted new legislation on BVD eradication, but said that an agriculture minister needed to be in post before it could become law.
Despite Edwin Poots taking up the role in January 2020, resources within DAERA have been focussed on other issues, such as the Brexit transition period and new EU animal health laws.
On enquiry, a department spokesperson said that it is unlikely any new legislation on BVD will be progressed in the immediate future.
“The department remains committed to the eradication of BVD and is considering a range of measures, including the possibility of bringing forward legislation on movement restrictions for herds that retain BVD positive cattle,” the spokesperson said.
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