Threat to NI dairy calf prices - Exports could be cut off due to TB problem

The recent discovery in Holland of 12 calves, imported from the UK, infected with TB could have serious consequences for dairy farmers in Northern Ireland. There is a real possibility that export of calves from NI to the Netherlands and Belgium could be stopped.

There has been no ban on the import of calves from the UK into Holland, but the SKV, the Dutch equivalent of Bord Bia, will not certify UK sourced calves for consumption.

This follows the case in which calves were exported from a farm in England, which later tested positive for TB.

The exported calves were under 42 days old and did not have to be tested before export. After the home farm in England tested positive, the calves were traced in Holland and 12 were found to have TB.

Dutch importers are now looking to source calves from other EU states. Meanwhile as the Farmers Journal went to press, the EU standing committee on the food chain and animal health (SCoFCAH) were meeting in Brussels to consider a Dutch proposal on banning exports of calves from the UK.