BVA welcomes report into Northern Irish bovine TB

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has responded positively to a new report that highlights the key role played by vets in combating the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland.

Following an assessment by the Northern Ireland Assembly's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, a number of key measures have been recommended that will form the backbone of an effective TB eradication strategy.

These include a call for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) to implement a specific target to eliminate the disease completely, utilising the expertise of local vets and farmers.

It was also suggested that greater focus be placed on understanding the limitations of current testing regimes, as well as risk factors associated with the disease.

BVA president Peter Jones said: "The recommendation that DARD commits to an eradication policy, rather than a control policy, makes a lot of sense and helps all stakeholders to look towards the future."

This comes after the organisation called for increased vigilance in Northern Ireland last month following news that the Schmallenberg virus has reached the region.