Veterinary group appointed to deliver DAERA’s new bTB biosecurity advice service
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the appointment of Veterinary Resources Northern Ireland (VRNI), a consortium of approximately 45 experienced local veterinary practices, to deliver a new on-farm bovine tuberculosis (bTB) biosecurity advice service for farmers across Northern Ireland.
The service will provide participating farmers with tailored advice from trained veterinary professionals to strengthen on-farm biosecurity and reduce the risk of disease transmission within and between herds.
Through on-farm visits by their local vet, farmers will be supported to identify and implement practical biosecurity improvements suited to their individual circumstances. The service forms part of wider efforts to support the eradication of bTB in Northern Ireland.
Announcing the appointment, Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to announce that Veterinary Resources Northern Ireland has been appointed to deliver this important programme on behalf of DAERA.
“Bovine TB continues to have a significant impact on farming families, animal health and public finances. While there is no single solution to the disease, improving on-farm biosecurity remains one of the most important steps that can be taken to reduce risk and support long-term eradication efforts.
“This new service will give farmers access to practical, farm-specific advice from veterinary professionals, helping them identify actions that can strengthen disease prevention measures within their businesses.
“The programme represents another important step in delivering the commitments contained within the TB Partnership Steering Group's Blueprint for Eradication and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with industry to tackle this challenging disease.”
Approximately 700 farms are expected to participate in the programme annually, which will run initially for two years with an option of a third. Following an assessment of individual farm risks, participating farmers will receive tailored advice and recommendations aimed at improving biosecurity practices and reducing opportunities for disease transmission. Upon the completion of the initial visit the veterinary practitioner will return to the farm nine months later to review and support progress on the previously agreed recommendations and provide a forward look.
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: "The appointment of Veterinary Resources Northern Ireland marks an important milestone in the development of a dedicated bTB biosecurity advice service. Veterinary practitioners are uniquely placed to work alongside farmers in identifying disease risks and recommending practical solutions that can reduce opportunities for infection to enter and spread within livestock enterprises. Colleagues will now work with the new supplier with the aim of delivering visits by November.”