Sunday 27 May 2012
Headlines
Did you find this story interesting? (0) (0)
12/02/2012 17:06:24
NFU criticises AHVLA for leaving farmers unaware of TB rules
The NFU has reacted angrily after farmers were left in the dark over new and complex changes to rules governing livestock movements under TB restrictions.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has confirmed that the policy, which allows farms that have their Officially Tuberculosis Free status withdrawn (OTFW) following a new TB breakdown from restocking their herds until the short interval test is completed, has been changed.
NFU President Peter Kendall said farmers will be bitterly disappointed not only because the changes will have serious impacts on some farm business already struggling to cope with a TB breakdown, but that such important changes have been communicated so badly.
"I am extremely concerned that such complicated rules are being changed over-night and with such poor communication," he said. "It is the livestock farmers on the ground that will have to manage their businesses as a result of these changes and I firmly believe that the AHVLA has a duty to communicate effectively on such an important issue to ensure farmers understand the impact it will have.
"The NFU has worked hard to ensure that farm businesses are able to continue working as effectively as possible in what can be very difficult and trying circumstances by making sure that, subject to a veterinary risk assessment and isolation of cattle that have reacted or proven inconclusive to a TB test, that those cattle can still be moved onto a holding. It is vitally important that these businesses are able to continue to operate and that means being able to replace animals lost to TB.
"Having a TB breakdown on farm is already hugely damaging and stressful. While we reluctantly understand that these new rules are necessary in order to gain EU approval for the TB Eradication Plan for England, I have grave concerns that our farmers have been left in the dark over how they are to be implemented."
The NFU has said it will be meeting with the AHVLA as soon as possible.
 |
The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has confirmed that the policy, which allows farms that have their Officially Tuberculosis Free status withdrawn (OTFW) following a new TB breakdown from restocking their herds until the short interval test is completed, has been changed.
NFU President Peter Kendall said farmers will be bitterly disappointed not only because the changes will have serious impacts on some farm business already struggling to cope with a TB breakdown, but that such important changes have been communicated so badly.
"I am extremely concerned that such complicated rules are being changed over-night and with such poor communication," he said. "It is the livestock farmers on the ground that will have to manage their businesses as a result of these changes and I firmly believe that the AHVLA has a duty to communicate effectively on such an important issue to ensure farmers understand the impact it will have.
"The NFU has worked hard to ensure that farm businesses are able to continue working as effectively as possible in what can be very difficult and trying circumstances by making sure that, subject to a veterinary risk assessment and isolation of cattle that have reacted or proven inconclusive to a TB test, that those cattle can still be moved onto a holding. It is vitally important that these businesses are able to continue to operate and that means being able to replace animals lost to TB.
"Having a TB breakdown on farm is already hugely damaging and stressful. While we reluctantly understand that these new rules are necessary in order to gain EU approval for the TB Eradication Plan for England, I have grave concerns that our farmers have been left in the dark over how they are to be implemented."
The NFU has said it will be meeting with the AHVLA as soon as possible.
|
Farming items for Sale
|
John Deere 6910 - York(GBP 16800)
Valtra T162 VERSU - Maidstone(GBP 57600)
Deutz Agrofarm 100 - Stirling(GBP 31800)
JCB 8250 - Chippenham(GBP 96938)
JOHN DEERE 8420 - Goole(GBP 50000)
Related News
Unfounded drive for new mycotoxin rules leaves UK farmers at risk - 03 Feb 2012The NFU has called for EU legislators to think very carefully before approving rules which could see around 16 per cent of UK oats removed from the fo...
New rules TB rules introduced in Scotland - 12 Feb 2010In recognition of the low and stable incidence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Scottish herds, the European Commission granted Scotland officially bov...
Farmers unaware of latest Environment Agency Requirement - 07 Oct 2011Farmers in Brecon and Radnor were reminded about the new Environment Agency requirement to register septic tanks in Wales at the latest county meeting...
Complicated new rules will disadvantage farmers warns NFU cereals chair - 23 Jul 2004New rules announced by Defra as part of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are in danger of making life overly complicated for cereals farme...
NFU reminds farmers 27-day rule is still important for cattle - 04 Apr 2007The NFU has welcomed the introduction of changes in the cattle ID regulations which come into force on Friday (April 6) but is warning farmers not to ...
Farmer criticises Govt's water efforts - 08 Aug 2008A Riverland olive farmer has told South Australian Water Security Minister Karlene Maywald that the State Government is not doing enough to help irrig...
NFU to support Devon farmer in TB values case - 23 Apr 2009The NFU has announced it will support Devon dairy farmer David Partridge, who is seeking leave to appeal to the House of Lords in the TB table values ...
NBA highlights rule change for TB affected farms - 13 Feb 2012The National Beef Association (NBA) is drawing attention to a change in the TB rules which it feels many farmers do not know about and will hugely aff...
New TB rules will 'hurt some businesses' - 02 May 2012A raft of new and revised TB rules for England will be enforced on July 1st and farming bodies, including the National Beef Association, are encouragi...
Flood defence plans leave agriculture vulnerable - NFU - 12 Feb 2012New government plans to invest in flood defence schemes across England and Wales leave some of the best and most versatile agricultural land at signif...
