Flexibilities around TB testing requirements for farmers affected by COVID-19 introduced north and south of the border have been welcomed by farm organisations.

The Departments of Agriculture either side of the border have confirmed that if a farmer is experiencing symptoms, is required to self-isolate or is part of a vulnerable group, they will be able to defer their TB test without sanction.

The move is an important first step in recognising the challenges faced by farmers, IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell has said.

“The Department of Agriculture must continue to take a practical view when implementing the TB Eradication programme. The focus should be on the key trade requirements in order to reduce risks to farmers, their families, farm workers and veterinary practitioners,” Farrell told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Calls

In the north, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) said it has been inundated with calls from members who are extremely vulnerable to the illness or had family members in the high risk category.

It said farmers had expressed apprehension about TB testing being carried out due to the potential risk of disease transmission.

UFU deputy president David Brown said: “DAERA will not refer producers with an overdue TB test because of COVID-19 for a cross compliance breach and have relaxed restrictions on animals from herds with overdue tests moving directly to slaughter.

“Herd restrictions on overdue animals moving from herd to herd will remain in place to prevent the spread of TB to other herds throughout Northern Ireland.”

Guidelines

Those farmers who wish to proceed with their TB test may do so once they adhere to appropriate social distancing guidelines including staying at least 2m away from the vet.

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