The National Sheep Association (NSA) along with Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) brought together more than 100 sheep farmers last week to discuss concerns over proposed changes to funding that could threaten Northern Ireland’s Maedi Visna (MV) disease free status.

Those in attendance were in agreement that the proposed withdrawal of DAERA funding to facilitate MV testing is concerning for the future of the sheep sector.

NSA Northern Ireland Chair Alaistair Armstrong says: “Both commercial and pedigree producers came together for the industry meeting voicing concerns on the proposed changes to Northern Ireland MV sheep testing. Keeping Northern Ireland free from MV is vital for our animal health and trading status. However, DAERA is withdrawing its funding for MV testing and is asking the industry to implement a scheme that would be funded by farmers.

“Any type of testing, accreditation or control scheme will be an additional expense to farmers at a time when they are already facing low profit margins. The loss of MV control measures at borders is a major concern because if MV is transmitted into our flocks, they would become less efficient, profitable and sustainable having a knock-on effect on the Northern Ireland sheep sector.

“Sheep farmers feel like they have been completely forgot about by DAERA. The withdrawal of MV funding is the latest blow that they are having to deal with. With the way things stand currently, they are still set to lose 17% of the Basic Payment Scheme and there is no more funding for the sheep scab scheme. All of which are placing the industry in jeopardy.”

Former NSA Northern Ireland Development Officer Edward Adamson adds: “Farmers are anxious if control measures are removed, it would undo their hard work in ensuring Northern Ireland’s current MV free status. The sheep industry wants to maintain the status quo for MV currently and cannot ‘allow the MV floodgates to open’. Infection rates are continuing to rise in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, and if Northern Ireland stops restrictions on the health status of imports, this disease has the potential to become widespread.

“Sheep farmers are willing to act responsibly with biosecurity, quarantine and purchasing from high health flocks however all this is useless if DAERA remove controls.

“The main clinical signs of MV are progressive paralysis, wasting, arthritis and chronic mastitis and is detected in older animals as symptoms lie dormant for several years.”

Moving forward, NSA and the UFU will continue to engage with industry stakeholders to find a workable solution that will protect the industry from MV and safeguard the future of the sector.

NSA Northern Ireland has recently welcomed Ellen Moorehead into the role of NSA Northern Ireland Coordinator. Anyone wishing to discuss this issue further is encouraged to contact Ellen on ni@nationalsheep.org.uk.