Gildernew takes brucellosis fight to Keady

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has attended a farmers’ meeting in Keady to address local herd owners’ concerns about the brucellosis situation in the area.

The Minister took the opportunity at the well-attended event to again reinforce her position on the disease. She said: “Given the high levels of brucellosis in the Keady area since the beginning of the year, and the potential for long incubation periods, we are dependant on farmers’ ongoing co-operation and vigilance to get ahead of the outbreaks. Despite my earlier appeals for a tightened approach to biosecurity, new reactors continue to be discovered and we cannot afford to relax our control measures.”

The Minister said she would be seeking the assistance of PSNI in her campaign to eradicate brucellosis. She told the meeting: “I am personally seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Constable Matt Baggott to discuss how we can target those who are involved in illegal behaviour surrounding the spread of brucellosis. I have been appalled to receive reports of reckless and irresponsible behaviour by a few herd keepers, who are bringing hardship on hard working, honest farmers.

“This abhorrent disease has been introduced into Keady, setting back the excellent progress which has been made in reducing the disease incidence in the past two years. Unfortunately this has made conditions very difficult for the ordinary decent farmer in this area.”

Discussing control measures the Minister said: “I know that farmers understand the rationale for movement restrictions and increased testing. It is the only way to find infected animals before they cause further spread to herds which are clear at the moment. I realise this is not an easy situation in which they find themselves trying to carry out their normal farming business. I am determined that we will get back on track towards eradication and, as soon as is advisable, we can reduce the current restrictions which herds in the area have to operate under.”

The Minister continued: “It is important that we achieve maximum control of brucellosis but not at any cost. We are all aware that budgets are increasingly constrained. Therefore it is important that our actions are proportionate and represent best value for money. So I want every case of Brucellosis to be looked at closely by my officials on an individual basis. They will carefully take account of all the epidemiological factors and the alternative strategies for dealing with disease. In some cases this will be depopulation of herds, but other herds which do not meet value for money criteria will be restricted and tested over 12-18 months. Not every herd will be depopulated for brucellosis.

“In the meantime, farmers can take significant steps to protect their own herds through on farm biosecurity. I would ask them to continue to report abortions or even the suspicion of abortion among their cattle, as I know many have been doing.”

During the meeting local and senior Veterinary Service staff from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (DAFF), made presentations.

The Minister concluded: “I was very glad of the chance to outline where I feel we are with this critical issue at the present time, and I wish to thank southern colleagues from DAFF for their welcome participation and statement of endorsement of our approach. This has been a good opportunity for farmers and stakeholders to air their concerns and participate in open discussion on matters that they are dealing with on a daily basis.”

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