Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed news that East Antrim is no longer classified as a high incidence area for bovine TB.
Roy Beggs MLA said “I was aware of a significant increase in the number of herds in East Antrim that were infected with bovine Tuberculosis in early 2020. This resulted in the area being marked as a High Incidence Area, which then required increased efforts to control and eradicate the disease.
I have now been advised that a significant decrease has occurred in the percentage of breakdown herds in the High Incidence Area from February 2020 to May 2021 and the enhanced testing protocols are now ceasing.”
The DAERA Divisional Veterniary Officer added “Current breakdown herds will continue with testing protocol appropriate for the breakdown herd. Contiguous herds to breakdown herds will remain allocated lateral check tests until the contiguous breakdown herd becomes derestricted.”
Mr Beggs MLA concluded by stating that “I welcome the reduction in the incidence rates of TB within this East Antrim area. All herd keepers are still strongly advised to continue to review their herd bio security and take whatever steps necessary to reduce the risks of TB entering or spreading within their herd.”
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