DNA science will help detect those who tried to infect herd - Gildernew

Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA said today that the latest DNA science will be used to help track down those responsible for attempting to infect a cattle herd with brucellosis.

The Minister expressed her revulsion at the finding of a brucellosis infected foetus in a field in Co Armagh which seemed a deliberate attempt to introduce the disease to a farmer’s herd.

The Minister said: “I am appalled to hear reports of a bovine foetus apparently being deliberately dumped on farmland at Lislea, Co Armagh. It was found beside where cows, calves and a bull were grazing and thus it posed a huge disease risk to those livestock as well as people who had contact with it.

“I understand that all the cows in the field had recently calved and a heifer in heat was also in the field, so the foetus could not have originated from any of them.

“I am disgusted to learn that initial reports are that the foetus was placed in the field well away from the gate and near feeding buckets. It had been opened from its neck to its belly and meal placed over it and in it. This appears to have been done on purpose to encourage cattle to put their noses in contact with it and thus expose themselves to serious risk of infection.”

Confirming that laboratory testing for brucellosis in the foetus has given a positive result the Minister said: “DNA samples taken from the foetus and the bacterium itself will be analysed, so that future genetic identification of the source of the infected foetus and the strain of the bacteria is possible. As I previously reported, my veterinary officers now have new processes that allows them to explore in detail the disease links between herds, going back over the past number of years.

“This despicable act could put our Brucellosis Control Programme in jeopardy, at a stage when we are seeing very positive benefits from the actions and initiatives that we have put in place over the past few years. The disease level has been reduced from a herd incidence of 1.01% in Oct 2008, to 0.36% in Nov 2009 and DARD are pressing hard to achieve eradication of brucellosis over the next few years.

“Eradication of brucellosis will bring enormous benefits to the whole cattle industry. Any malicious attempt to spread disease is an attack on the whole of the farming community. I have asked my officials to pursue this investigation as vigorously as possible.

“I have also asked that they review the appropriateness of the brucellosis control measures in the area should there be further evidence of disease in other herds, that is, cattle testing, herd and area restrictions and the removal of cattle for slaughter. It is important that we achieve maximum control of brucellosis, but also that our actions represent the best value for money.”

The Minister concluded by commending the prompt reporting of this incident and added: “As this occurrence may not be an isolated incident and I would ask all farmers to be extremely vigilant and to report all abortions to their local Divisional Veterinary Office.”

Notes to editors:

1. Previous Press Releases relate:

• 7 August 2009 – “Brucellosis Alert” – DARD is investigating a case it which it believes a brucellosis reactor animal was moved illegally from a farm and another animal substituted.
• 18 August 2009 – “Gildernew applauds AFBI advances in Brucellosis fight.” New DNA science could help trace the spread of Brucellosis and lead to better control and possible eradication.

2. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.