In an effort to know the extent of the Tuberculosis and Brucellosis spread, the Agriculture Ministry will carry out tests on farms.

Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy has confirmed that in the past, officers concentrated more on the well-known affected areas however this year will be a bit different.

Dr Reddy says for this reason, the ministry has engaged four full time Vet Officers with a fifth expected soon.

He adds recruiting of these officers is vital to the ministry considering the number of farms that are yet to be tested for TB and Brucellosis.

“As soon as we have them on board we will send them to new farms to undertake the tests , we have signed the appointment letter and we are excited that by end of this year we will be testing a lot of farms in Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.”

Dr Reddy also says close to fifteen technical officers are being recruited to assist Vet officers in carrying out the farm tests.