All-Island Disease Surveillance Report Launched

NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND - The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Minister Michelle O’Neill and Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Minister Simon Coveney recently launched the first all-island animal disease surveillance report at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Kildare.

11 October 2011

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(L-R) Dr Seamus Kennedy (AFBI CEO), DAFF Minister Simon Coveney, DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill and Donal Sammin (DAFF Veterinary Laboratories) at the launch of the first all-island disease surveillance report during the recent National Ploughing Championships at Athy, Co. Kildare.

(L-R) Dr Seamus Kennedy (AFBI CEO), Mr Seán Hogan (AFBI Chairman), Mr Donal Sammin (DAFF Veterinary Laboratories) and Frank Malone (AFBI Veterinary Sciences Division) at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between AFBI and DAFF’s Backweston Veterinary Laboratory.

The report has been produced jointly by staff of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Veterinary Sciences Division and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF) Veterinary Laboratory Service.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Neill said: "Increased co-operation between AFBI and DAFF’s veterinary laboratory service and the launch of the all-island animal disease surveillance report is in keeping with my aim for an all-island approach to animal health and welfare, and the free movement of animals."

"Given the current economic climate it is important for the industry to do all it can to increase profitability and my department’s support for animal disease surveillance is an important element of that," said the Minister.

Publication of the report coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between AFBI and DAFF’s Backweston veterinary laboratory. This agreement will facilitate enhanced co-operation in areas of mutual interest including scientific collaboration and bidding for international research funding.

Effective animal disease surveillance is essential for the protection of the agri-food industry on the island of Ireland. This publication provides the first comprehensive report on the findings of AFBI and DAFF’s veterinary laboratory surveillance activities.