Commenting on the latest meeting the Minister said: "These meetings help promote an understanding of brucellosis and advise farmers what more they can do to protect their own and their neighbours' herds from the disease and it very encouraging that local farmers continue to attend in high numbers.
"Brucellosis not only affects farmers and their immediate community but also the taxpayer, so I welcome these positive moves to open up discussion with local herd owners and to listen to their valuable input in how we can work together to make further progress in eradicating this disease.
"I am pleased that so many Fermanagh farmers took the time to attend and to contribute to the positive exchange of views and ideas on brucellosis. It is vital that both the farming community and my department work together on this. Now that the structure is in place for improved communication between my department and herd owners, with the establishment of local farmers groups, I look forward to seeing the benefits over the coming months."
Notes to Editors:
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