Menu
01/09/2010
Study Into TB In Co. Down Cattle Announced
A study into the spread of TB in cattle is to start soon in County Down, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced.
The Minister said: "This TB Biosecurity Study is important and I encourage the support of those farmers who are selected to participate in this valuable research. Their help is vital if we are to get a better understanding of the factors that influence the transmission of bovine TB here. Indeed, the study can not proceed without the help if those farmers."
Ms Gildernew said that up to 350 County Down farmers will shortly be invited by DARD's Chief Veterinary Officer to participate in the study, which will be carried out by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). She said: "The key aim of the TB Biosecurity Study is to compare farm characteristics in both herds that have recently had a TB breakdown and those that have had no recent history of a breakdown in a TB high incidence area, which is why the study will focus on County Down.
"Consideration of selected cattle and wildlife factors will be key elements of the research. The study findings will be used to identify significant risk factors and should contribute to the development of best practice and biosecurity advice that can be rolled out to all herdkeepers to help reduce the level of bovine TB here."
The Minister added: "I welcome the support of farming and veterinary representative bodies as well as wider stakeholders for the TB Biosecurity Study. It is a good example of real partnership between government and industry working together effectively."
The Minister also welcomed the support of the Ulster Farmers' Union, the NI Agricultural Producers' Association, the National Beef Association and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in NI.
Minister Gildernew added: "Farmers who take part in the TB Biosecurity Study are being asked for some of their time and for their insight and experience. They will not be asked to fill in any questionnaires - the AFBI researcher will do any written work in recording answers to a questionnaire.
"Input provided by farmers will be held in strict confidence. The questions will be about the farm business as well as about evidence of badger presence and activity both on their land and around their farm buildings. A survey of on-farm buildings and a farm boundary survey will also be carried out by the AFBI researcher in agreement with the farmer. In addition, there will be some badger sett survey work on and around participating farms."
She concluded: "It should be clearly understood that no direct intervention with badgers is planned to take place during this TB Biosecurity Study. This has been clearly explained to all industry stakeholders, including those representing environmental interests.
The survey fieldwork will be carried out from October 2010 to the end of March 2011.
(KMcA/GK)
The Minister said: "This TB Biosecurity Study is important and I encourage the support of those farmers who are selected to participate in this valuable research. Their help is vital if we are to get a better understanding of the factors that influence the transmission of bovine TB here. Indeed, the study can not proceed without the help if those farmers."
Ms Gildernew said that up to 350 County Down farmers will shortly be invited by DARD's Chief Veterinary Officer to participate in the study, which will be carried out by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). She said: "The key aim of the TB Biosecurity Study is to compare farm characteristics in both herds that have recently had a TB breakdown and those that have had no recent history of a breakdown in a TB high incidence area, which is why the study will focus on County Down.
"Consideration of selected cattle and wildlife factors will be key elements of the research. The study findings will be used to identify significant risk factors and should contribute to the development of best practice and biosecurity advice that can be rolled out to all herdkeepers to help reduce the level of bovine TB here."
The Minister added: "I welcome the support of farming and veterinary representative bodies as well as wider stakeholders for the TB Biosecurity Study. It is a good example of real partnership between government and industry working together effectively."
The Minister also welcomed the support of the Ulster Farmers' Union, the NI Agricultural Producers' Association, the National Beef Association and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in NI.
Minister Gildernew added: "Farmers who take part in the TB Biosecurity Study are being asked for some of their time and for their insight and experience. They will not be asked to fill in any questionnaires - the AFBI researcher will do any written work in recording answers to a questionnaire.
"Input provided by farmers will be held in strict confidence. The questions will be about the farm business as well as about evidence of badger presence and activity both on their land and around their farm buildings. A survey of on-farm buildings and a farm boundary survey will also be carried out by the AFBI researcher in agreement with the farmer. In addition, there will be some badger sett survey work on and around participating farms."
She concluded: "It should be clearly understood that no direct intervention with badgers is planned to take place during this TB Biosecurity Study. This has been clearly explained to all industry stakeholders, including those representing environmental interests.
The survey fieldwork will be carried out from October 2010 to the end of March 2011.
(KMcA/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
