A total of 106 meetings were held by 38 veterinary practices throughout Northern Ireland informing farmers about the benefits of dealing with BVD and highlighting the industry-led/Northern Ireland BVD eradication programme.
Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI), an industry-led initiative set up to promote improved cattle health and welfare within Northern Ireland, have been heavily involved in the set up and content of the BVD awareness sessions.
David Graham, Programme Manager for BVD with AHWNI said “The awareness sessions facilitated by vets were designed to ensure a clear and consistent message was being delivered about the benefits of dealing with BVD, making farmers aware of the steps they can take to tackle the disease and the economic advantages of doing so”.
Speaking about the BVD awareness programme, the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle O’Neill, MLA said: “I welcome industry moves to tackle diseases such as BVD as these can have a significant impact on trade and competitiveness at farm level. I am extremely pleased that over 2,750 farmers from across Northern Ireland have participated in this programme helping to motivate and encourage farmers to vaccinate.”
The BVD awareness programme is funded under the Farm Family Options measure (Axis 1) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme, part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and DARD.
For more information please contact Anne Marie Bell, Farm Family Options on 0845 026 7534.