Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, has announced that a study into the spread of TB in cattle will start soon in County Down.

Minister Gildernew said: "This TB Biosecurity Study is important and I encourage the support of those farmers who are selected to participate in this valuable research. Their help is vital if we are to get a better understanding of the factors that influence the transmission of bovine TB here. Indeed, the Study cannot proceed without the help of those farmers."

The Minister explained that up to 350 County Down farmers will shortly be invited by DARD's Chief Veterinary Officer to participate in this important Study, which will be carried out by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

The Minister said: “The key aim of the TB Biosecurity Study is to compare farm characteristics in both herds that have recently had a TB breakdown and those that have had no recent history of a breakdown in a TB high incidence area, which is why the Study will focus on County Down.

“Consideration of selected cattle and wildlife factors will be key elements of the research. The Study findings will be used to identify significant risk factors and should contribute to the development of best practice and biosecurity advice that can be rolled out to all herdkeepers to help reduce the level of bovine TB here.”

The Minister welcomed the support of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the NI Agricultural Producers’ Association, the National Beef Association and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in NI.

It is anticipated that the survey fieldwork will be carried out from October 2010 to the end of March 2011.

Read this story in full here:  Gildernew announces a study into TB in cattle in Co Down.