On-Line Animal Database Is The Way Forward
NORTHERN IRELAND, UK - The continuing success of the Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS) has been hailed by Minister Michelle Gildernew.APHIS is the database of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats which supports DARD Veterinary Service’s animal and public health work, and the agri-food industry. APHIS data is also widely shared across the food chain and research community to provide consumer assurance and marketing advantage in competitive international markets.
During a visit to Parklands Veterinary Group in Dungannon, the Minister highlighted how the successful partnership between the Department, the system’s developers, AMT-Sybex (NI) Ltd, and the agricultural industry had led to gains for all.
The Minister stated: “My Department is committed to reducing bureaucracy and providing improved customer service, and the continuing development of the APHIS System has really helped to reduce the amount of paperwork, effort and the associated costs historically involved in supporting live cattle exports.
“Through the ‘e-AVI’ initiative, cattle exporters and their authorised veterinary inspectors can now check animals’ export eligibility through the internet, and obtain all the necessary paperwork direct from APHIS without anyone having to travel to the local Divisional Office at any stage.
“In this context I want to acknowledge the significant contribution made by the staff of Parklands and our developers AMT-Sybex who have worked in partnership with DARD to bring this stage of the e-AVI project to a successful conclusion.”
TheCattleSite News Desk