Speaking as part of the Holstein NI deputation, which gave evidence to Committee members on the pending Diseases of Animal Order for Northern Ireland earlier this week, Brian Walker, from Portadown-based, Walker McDonald posed the following questions: Why is that the levels of Brucellosis are rising in areas like South Armagh and Fermanagh? Is it because farmers in these regions are inherently more dishonest or is there something fundamentally wrong with the diseases control strategies being implemented by the Department?
Speaking to Farming Life after giving evidence, he explained: "Farmers across Northern Ireland are basically honest people. Who in their right minds would want Brucellosis on their farms in the first place? It is, after all, a very significant human health hazard. The problem in getting to grips with diseases such as Brucellosis and TB lies with the Department.
"It is still taking too long to get reactors removed from herds. In all cases where Brucellosis has been identified, herds should be slaughtered out entirely.
"There is also an issue over the interpretation of test results and what constitutes an inconclusive. The emphasis must be placed on removing all risk animals form herds as quickly as possible."
Brian Walker went on to point out that DARD is not doing enough to advise farmers on how to prevent disease such as TB and Brucellosis getting a foothold within herds in the first place.
"The Department must become more proactive in giving farmers advice regarding the need for double perimeter fencing and drinking troughs being at least two feet off the ground," he stressed.
"Badgers have been linked to the possible spread of TB for some time. But why has the Department not published the research work it has commissioned on this subject?
He added: "The draft order contains a proposal to band compensation rates for reactors. This is inherently unfair as it mitigates against farmers carrying out their livelihood. There must be fair and proper compensation for all reactor animals removed from a herd.''