ICMSA call to tackle time frame to eradicate BVD

All the tools necessary to eradicate BVD in the shortest timeframe possible must be applied immediately, according to ICMSA deputy president Pat McCormack.

He was speaking following a meeting with Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Mr McCormack said that such measures should include an incentive towards the early removal of BVD infected animals through a “frontloaded” compensation package and also the automatic and immediate notification to the neighbours of PI retaining herds as the programme aimed at the eradication of BVD from the state moves to a decisive stage.

The Tipperary farmer also called for a mandatory notice to be sent to the vet relevant to a PI herd.

“The retention of PI animals on farms has been, and continues to be, the main obstacle encountered over the course of the four-year programme.

“But the single biggest disappointment over this last year has been the Department’s tentative response to our demands for the joint notification of both neighbours and vets.

“That indecision is hindering PI removal and has undoubtedly led to the slowing-down of the BVD Eradication Programme,” said Mr McCormack.

He stated that continued tissue tagging was a major cost to all breeding herds involved in the BVD programme and ICMSA had requested the Minister to put in place financial supports toward the ongoing cost of tissue tag testing.

The imminent calving season and the decisions that remain to be taken will be the defining acts for this programme and only the Minister can push these through towards a successful conclusion, he said.

“Minister Creed did recognise our proposals and committed to looking at them,” said Mr McCormack.