The government of Northern Ireland has announced that pre-export testing for brucellosis will be abolished in the country.

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can spread from animals to humans, causing long-lasting flu-like symptoms. The highly infectious disease can be passed on through drinking unpasteurised milk or undercooked meat from infected animals, as well as close contact with them.  

Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA said this week that pre-export testing for brucellosis in Northern Ireland will be abolished from 1 February 2016. The end of testing follows the EU declaration in October 2015 that Northern Ireland is Officially Brucellosis Free.

This means that breeding cattle aged over 12 months old will no longer require a pre-export brucellosis test.

O’Neill’s announcement was welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the BVA’s Northern Ireland branch. Simon Doherty President of BVA Northern Ireland said, “Today’s announcement is another important step forward in ridding Northern Ireland of brucellosis, and ongoing compliance with surveillance measures and biosecurity advice remains vital.

“Brucellosis testing will continue for the five years required, and we encourage farmers to fulfil their obligation to report any late-term abortion and deaths of calves within 24 hours of birth to their local DARD divisionary office. This continued vigilance, based on the precautionary principle, will facilitate appropriate follow-up and help ensure Northern Ireland remains Officially Brucellosis Free.”