Northern Ireland’s Pedigree Cattle Trust has strongly questioned the principle of pre-movement bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing in Northern Ireland.
This is one of the proposals contained in the recently published bTB way forward document, produced by Northern Ireland’s chief veterinary officer (CVO), Brian Dooher.
Portadown-based solicitor, Brian Walker, represents the Pedigree Cattle Trust.
He said: “The suggestion to pre-movement testing requires not only a consultation, but also an economic impact assessment.
“The latter is conveniently ignored. Similarly, there is a suggestion that failure to provide bio security is to be linked to penalties for various farming subsidies.
“This totally ignores the fact that farmers are uniquely liable. If they offend any legislation, they are rightly brought to the courts, and if the courts find them guilty, then a penalty is imposed.”
Pre-movement
Walker added that he “has to admit this is a very comprehensive document”, and that his “comments are only made after a very short study”.
“However, none of these comments can override what is contained on page 66 of the paper. I quote ‘essentially the government carries all of the responsibility of bTB eradication, is the sole funder but the minor beneficiary’.
“In contrast, farmers carry little responsibility for the national programme and are the main beneficiary,” he said.
According to the Pedigree Cattle Trust representative, it is simply not true that farmers receive payment for reactor animals.
“But farmers do not receive any payment for any consequential loss.
“This consequential loss can last for years. If you ask an insurance broker to insure against a risk, e.g., a fire in the building, then that policy provides compensation not only for replacing the building, but consequential loss,” he continued.
Walker also referenced the CVO’s proposal of reduced compensation for purchased introductions to a restricted herd, adding:
“This might be a good theory. However, there is one significant consequence: Can I pose the question as to how the farmer is going to sustain his business in the meantime?”
According to Walker, an independent person to chair a process of examining the evidence produced by both the department and farming organisations in public hearings is necessary.
“This process can be concluded that process within a period of six months,” he added.
