New forum on NI vet medicine supplies

A new Supply Coordination Forum is to be set up to monitor the availability of veterinary medicines in NI, the UK government has announced.

The forum will be led by government agency, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and will also include “sector experts”.

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It comes as concerns remain that certain pack sizes of veterinary medicines, and possibly all variants of some products, will be withdrawn from the NI market in 2026.

The issue stems from NI needing to follow EU regulations on veterinary medicines as part of post-Brexit trade arrangements, with a temporary grace period expiring at the end of 2025.

“I urge pharmaceutical companies to communicate supply intentions as soon as possible, so any minor issues next year can be quickly addressed,” said Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman.

Online sheep inventory deadline approaches

The annual DAERA flock inventory must be completed by NI sheep farmers by 30 December 2025. The inventory must be filled out online and can be accessed using NIFAIS online.

Flock owners are required to include details on the number of sheep on their holding between 1 and 5 December 2025.

This information should also be recorded in the on-farm flock register. Failure to complete the inventory increases the possibility of an inspection.

Check farm electrical systems, says insurer

Farmers in NI should have checks carried out on their electrical systems this winter, rural insurance firm NFU Mutual has said.

“Electricity, together with the damp and often dusty environment of farm buildings, isn’t a good mix. As we experience more extreme weather conditions it’s more important than ever to have them regularly tested,” said Lauren Hamilton from NFU Mutual.

The insurance firm recently published a report which found the cost of farm fires in NI rose by 42% last year to reach an estimated £7.3m.

According to NFU Mutual, the leading causes of fires on farms during 2024 were electrical faults, arson and lightning strikes.

Farmers invited to free event on lung health

The Millbrook Lodge in Ballynahinch is to host a free farmer event on Thursday 15 January 2026 at 7.30pm on the emerging risks to lung health among both farmers and their animals.

The event is being organised by the NI Agri-Rural Health Forum, alongside the Health and Safety Executive for NI and Boehringer Ingelheim. Expert speakers include Dr Jillian Johnston from the Public Health Agency and Peter Howard from Boehringer.

Attendance is free, with any donations on the night used to support a new “First Farmer on Scene” initiative, which is an emergency medic-led first aid course for NI farmers.

DAERA advice on inconclusive TB animals

Farmers in NI are to receive written advice from DAERA in relation to cattle in their herds that previously gave an inconclusive reaction to a bovine TB test, but have since tested negative.

According to the department, these “resolved ICs” potentially pose a hidden risk, with scientific evidence showing they are more likely to carry TB infection than animals with a clear test history.

The advice from DAERA is that these ICs should be finished and slaughtered promptly or prioritised for culling. “Removing these animals is the best way to protect your herd,” said DAERA chief vet, Brian Dooher.