Northern Ireland’s excellence in research and development (R&D) must be maintained through continued investment, British Veterinary Association (BVA) President John Blackwell said in a speech to guests at Stormont.

Mr Blackwell highlighted the global impact of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute’s (AFBI) work, especially in the aquaculture industry and international trade in pig products before commenting:

"Continued investment in AFBI – and I would highlight in particular its Veterinary Sciences Division – is critical in order to maintain sufficient levels of disease surveillance and investigation. Such work guarantees preparedness for an outbreak of epizootic/transboundary disease – just as AFBI was able to provide in relation to influenza, Bluetongue and Schmallenberg in recent years.”

Mr Blackwell added, “I know our colleagues in Northern Ireland are hopeful that this industry-led Animal and Health Welfare Northern Ireland (AHWNI) voluntary scheme will become mandatory in early 2015. Both the veterinary profession and industry are very anxious for a definite statement."

Congratulating Northern Ireland on the prospect of becoming officially brucellosis free (OBF) in 2015, he said, “Once OBF status is obtained, then that is the time to consider further phased relaxation of pre-movement testing controls, moving towards possible abolition, whilst continuing to employ risk-based surveillance.”