Minister urges bovine TB strategy for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill has urged the public to have its say on plans to eradicate bovine TB.

The Minister established the TB Strategic Partnership Group (TBSPG) last autumn and tasked it with developing a strategy and action plan to reduce both the levels of TB in cattle, and the cost of the TB eradication programme.

In December, the TBSPG published a consultation seeking the views from all parties on this programme. The consultation will end on 23 January 2015 and responses received will assist the TBSPG during this, their information and evidence gathering phase.

Minister O’Neill said "The TBSPG has been tasked with the responsibility of developing a long-term strategy and action plan for the eradication of TB in cattle in the north. I would encourage all interested parties with views on TB eradication to respond to the TBSPG consultation by the 23 January."

She added "The TBSPG has been appointed to work in the wider public interest, and with this in mind it is important that all interested parties engage in this process."

The TBSPG is also considering the ongoing TB eradication programme, the possibility of improved detection of TB in cattle, enhanced biosecurity measures, reduced disease risks throughout the cattle industry, compensation, and to find cost-effective ways to deal with the wildlife factor.

NI MEP Diane Dodds said: "At a time when national budgets are also stretched, it is imperative we look closely at creating an eradication plan which actually reduces the cost to the taxpayer.

"We must get a handle on the disease and reduce the number of incidences, as incidences rise so does the cost to the taxpayer. Michelle O'Neill urgently needs to put forward a package of measures which includes a meaningful strategy to deal with the disease in wildlife. It is important to remember that no country has even managed to control TB without controlling TB in badgers.

"Incidences of TB are rising in Northern Ireland and many farmers are finding it more and more difficult to cope with the restrictions imposed on farms which have been closed with TB. For many farmers additional stock numbers, lack of credit, reduced forage and the need for additional slurry storage are all too much and I think that those outside the industry should take this into consideration when talking about TB.

"The well being of cattle and farmers must be given the respect it deserves and the argument should not be one sided."