The Pedigree Cattle Trust are set to hold a meeting in Co. Armagh that will provide those attending with an update of research on bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
Cases of bTB are at an “all-time high,” according to the body, which represents the province’s main beef and dairy breed clubs, which has called for a more “structured, radical and effective approach in the fight against” bTB.
Brian Walker, chairman of the Pedigree Cattle Trust, said: “Bovine TB is out of control in Northern Ireland, and its impact on the local agricultural industry remains financially and psychologically significant.
“I extend a warm invitation to all pedigree and commercial herd owners, and industry leaders, to attend the forthcoming meeting.
“I am looking forward to welcoming Dr. Dick Sibley to Northern Ireland to present an update on his pioneering clinical trials and research.
During his presentation at the meeting Dr. Sibley will illustrate the trials he has conducted in south west England.
Dr. Sibley said: “The area has similar topography, cattle and farming systems to NI. The demand for wildlife control is understandable, but it won’t solve the problem on its own.
“I have details of a very interesting project involving a small beef breeding herd, which is similar to many of the pedigree enterprises in Northern Ireland,” he added.
Dr. Sibley will also talk about cattle and badger vaccination, but will give farmers advice on self-help, sharing ways to prevent and control the spread of bTB on-farm.
Walker said: “Trying to combat bTB is difficult and expensive. The best way to protect the public purse is to eradicate the disease.
Dr. Sibley said: “There are some things that farmers can do themselves, but there needs to be an overall strategy that deals with four pillars of disease control: biosecurity, biocontainment, resilience and surveillance. Culling wildlife and testing is not enough.”
The Pedigree Cattle Trust is hosting the open meeting in Armagh City Hotel on Thursday, April 18 at 8:00p.m and is open to all bovine livestock producers in Northern Ireland.
