An important meeting took place on Wednesday 26 February between the Minister for Agriculture, David Clarinval, and the Agrofront, bringing together for the first time the FUGEA and the FJA alongside the FWA, the ABS and the Boerenbond. This meeting marked an important step in consultation between the key players in the sector as part of the fight against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). This disease seriously affects our herds and the sector's competitiveness, and can also cause significant economic losses for our farmers.
Since 2007, Belgium has been actively committed to the fight against IBR, with the aim of achieving disease-free status for its entire cattle herd by 2027. David Clarinval, Minister for Agriculture, reaffirmed that this fight continues unabated and now marks the final stage before achieving disease-free status.
"We are at the final stage of achieving disease-free status and, even though the road has been fraught with obstacles, we will get there. Thanks to the commitment of all players in the sector, we have the means to succeed and protect our herds for the future," stated David Clarinval, Minister for Agriculture.
Given the unfavourable trend since the start of the year, several measures have been taken to quickly halt the rise in infections. The vaccination ban due to come into force on 1 April 2025 has been postponed to 1 November, pending reassessment, in order to offer better protection to our animals. Farms with “disease-free” or “in transition” status can also resort to vaccination if necessary, but this resumption will result in a downgrade of their status. This must be a deliberate choice, as the status of these farms will be lowered.
Furthermore, farms will have the option of keeping carrier animals longer than the current 90-day culling deadline, but under very strict conditions and after obtaining an exemption granted by the minister (following a risk analysis by the FASFC and an opinion from the Health Fund Council). This measure aims to offer farmers some flexibility while limiting health risks.
David Clarinval also stressed the importance of the involvement of all links in the chain in this fight against IBR. Stricter checks will be introduced, particularly on the transport of animals, to ensure the correct application of the legislation in force.
The situation will be monitored and assessed on an ongoing basis so that measures can be adjusted according to how the health situation evolves. "Achieving disease-free status is well under way, and we will do everything we can to support farmers to the end of this final stretch," concluded the Minister for Agriculture.