“The programme has done what it set out to do, particularly when you take into consideration the massive increase in the dairy herd. Problematic areas have been highlighted during the course of the programme and these can continue to be monitored to ensure levels do not creep back up. In addition, controls must be put in place to ensure imported cattle are BVD free and do not pose any threat.”
“Farmers have been fully committed to and invested heavily in the programme, which was initially intended to last just three years. However, they will not put up with never-ending testing and the expense of on-going testing is something that can’t be sustained any longer, especially for low income farmers.”
“At this point, labs and their skilled personnel have a bigger task on their hands dealing with Covid-19. It is there that valuable resources should be focused.”
ENDS