The dairy market was dealt the biggest blow by the Bovine Tuberculosis epidemic leading to a huge loss of cattle numbers, said Ministry of Agriculture permanent secretary Jitendra Singh.

Mr Singh said the cattle in the central areas including Tailevu, Naitasiri and Serua were badly affected with the Bovine TB starting in 2009 which led to a shortage in dairy production.

Mr Singh was speaking yesterday at the launch of the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication and Control Forum attended by about 100 stakeholders from around the region attending this week.

The forum is facilitated by the Pacific Community (SPC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and was held at the SPC Pasifika conference room in Nabua, Suva.

“The forum is also intended for the exchange of information and ideas on a range of topics relevant to Bovine TB campaign and rehabilitation,” said Mr Singh.

He said one of the aims of the forum was to develop a workable and effective Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication and Control (BTEC) strategy.

Officials attending the forum include executives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Ministry of Health, Fiji Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, Fiji Dairy Company, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, University of Sydney representatives, as well as livestock farmers and local veterinary experts.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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