26th November 2014

ICSA animal health group chairman John Barron has welcomed confirmation that brucellosis testing will end in 2015.

“These changes were indicated at a meeting attended by ICSA in October, and we welcome the Minister’s confirmation that there will be no round testing in 2015, and that pre-movement testing is also likely to end some time next year, contingent upon Northern Ireland achieving brucellosis-free status,” said Mr. Barron.

“As ICSA has pointed out previously, brucellosis testing has been a huge cost for farmers over the years in terms of time and resources, and has interfered substantially with the mart trade. It is very welcome to see an end to this, and most importantly, it highlights the success achieved by farmers and the Department in eradicating the disease.”