Culling
Niall Hurson on 01 Mar 2021
China identifies new strains of African Swine Fever
Researchers are worried about the concealment aspect of the new strains.
David Wright on 24 Feb 2021
Disillusioned with inaction on TB
Two expert groups have both recommended badger culling in TB hotspot areas in NI
David Wright on 17 Feb 2021
TVR raises questions for TB control
With the latest analysis of roadkill data suggesting that 17.1% of badgers across NI have TB, then there could be approximately 5,700 animals infected with bovine TB at any one time.
Kieran Mailey on 16 Feb 2021
Beef management: time to scan autumn-calving cows
Mid- to late-February is a good time to scan autumn-calving cows. Barren animals should be marked for culling and replaced with in-calf heifers later in the year.
Amy Forde on 02 Feb 2021
McConalogue: Mink cull no longer sought by chief medical officer
The CMO indicated that he is "no longer concerned" in relation to the risk that mink pose in relation to COVID-19, Minister McConalogue has said.
David Wright on 07 Jan 2021
110,000 birds culled in NI bird flu outbreak
It is the first time that highly pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in NI
David Wright on 06 Jan 2021
Bird flu strikes NI commercial flocks
Birds have been culled at two sites supected of having a notifiable strain of bird flu.
David Wright on 06 Jan 2021
Two issues dominate debate on bovine TB
A new bovine TB eradication strategy for NI is due to be released in the coming days.
Peter McCann on 22 Dec 2020
Bird flu outbreak ‘almost inevitable’ in NI
The poultry industry in Northern Ireland is on high alert for avian influenza.
Darren Carty on 20 Dec 2020
Welsh sheep flock falls 6% in June 2020 census
There were 412,000 fewer sheep aged one year and over on farms while there were also 132,000 fewer lambs recorded compared to June 2019.
David Wright on 16 Dec 2020
Biosecurity only defence against Avian Flu
With no vaccines available in Ireland, good biosecurity is vital to keep bird flu out
Amy Forde on 11 Nov 2020
Farmer views: proposed pre-movement testing a 'smokescreen'
Amy Forde speaks to farmers about the proposed new pre-movement TB testing in the draft TB strategy.
Amy Forde on 06 Nov 2020
Department warns of increased TB testing in farmer letters
Farmers in Meath have received letters updating them of the TB situation in the county.
Amy Forde on 04 Nov 2020
Deer culling and badger vaccination to continue
Farmers will be given advice on the actions they can take to reduce the risk of their cattle contracting TB from badgers and deer.
Bill O'Keeffe on 04 Nov 2020
Farmer Writes: wet weather hitting hard
With the wet weather hitting hard, Bill O'Keeffe has dried off the first batch of cows for the winter.
Niall Hurson on 17 Oct 2020
Badger testing and setts mapping must go hand in hand - ICSA
The farm organisation has welcomed new efforts to reduce the spread of TB and has advised all farmers to view Department of Agriculture advice.
Kieran Mailey on 14 Oct 2020
NI Sheep Programme: OPA scanning paying off in Co Antrim
Karol and Peter McCaughan explained how OPA scanning is being used to improve ewe fertility on their Co Antrim hill farm.
Kieran Mailey on 13 Oct 2020
Beef management: Time to weigh cattle and review performance
Weighing cattle at housing should be part and parcel of herd management. This information can be used to make culling decisions and used as part of a winter finishing budget.
Hannah Quinn-Mulligan on 25 Sep 2020
Hunting licenses cannot be extended - Minister
Due to COVID-19, there is a backlog of deer hunting licenses waiting to be issued.
Barry Cassidy on 24 Sep 2020
TB risk statements were ‘never a panacea to fix everything’
The TB risk statements issued to farmers will only be one part of a wider approach to tackle rising TB levels, Minister for State Martin Heydon has said.