| Monaghan IFA County Chairman Bert Stewart has welcomed the commitment from the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture Michelle Gildernew to deploy the full resources of the authorities in the North in the battle to eradicate Brucellosis. Mr Stewart said the Minister has held discussions on the matter with the Minister for Justice and she is to meet the Chief Constable of the PSNI. The Monaghan IFA Chairman was speaking following a meeting with Minister Gildernew and Sinn Fein TD for Cavan/Monaghan Caoimhghin O Caolain, which was attended by concerned farmers from both sides of the border. “This determined approach, combined with the DNA sampling of reactors, represents a significant step forward in the eradication of Brucellosis from Northern Ireland. With the disease confined to a small number of herds in Armagh there exists an opportunity to finally rid the island of Ireland of the disease.” The IFA County Chairman said Brucellosis has been very expensive for herdowners because of animal losses, restrictions and movement and monitoring controls. Movement controls alone have cost farmers in the region of €17m annually prior to attaining Brucellosis free status. “Brucellosis-free status in the south has allowed for the relaxation to the controls in place. However, due to the problem remaining in Northern Ireland, farmers have been unable to avail of the full benefits. Savings of €8m have been achieved, but this could rise to €15m if the threat of re-infection from Northern Ireland was removed.” Mr. Stewart said the loss of Brucellosis-free status would be very damaging and costly for all farmers as it would mean a return to the controls and associated costs that were in place prior to attaining disease-free status. He welcomed the determination shown by Minister Gildernew to finally rid the island of the disease and asked all farmers to co-operate in a final push. Concluding, he reminded farmers to take all precautions necessary to protect their herds and only buy breeding animals from reputable sources. |
Friday, 15 October 2010 10:44