Farmers in Northern Ireland are "fed up" with bovine TB and have called for more measures to tackle the "persistence and spread" of the disease.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says it is time to “robustly tackle all factors”, including wildlife, that contribute to the spread of this “destructive and costly” disease.
The union proposes a “self-help solution” in the form of a disease levy, with the initial focus specifically on tackling TB in wildlife.
The comments were made following the publication of Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on Eradicating Bovine TB in Northern Ireland.
UFU deputy president, David Brown says while there are many recommendations in the report farmers can get behind; others they “simply could not”.
Mr Brown said: “Until there is meaningful action taken to address TB in wildlife, farmers will not accept any cuts to compensation. We are beyond frustrated.
“TB has plagued the countryside for decades and we are no closer to eradication. This is despite huge efforts by industry and government, which has cost both farmers and taxpayers millions of pounds annually. Something has to change,” he said.
The UFU argues that Northern Ireland cannot continue to focus on one side of the TB problem.
“Cattle are one part of the equation and there are many regulations and controls in place. Wildlife is the other major contributor in the continuation of this disease. Tackling TB in wildlife must be a top priority,” said Mr Brown.
While the report does help to reaffirm some of the recommendations of the TB Strategic Partnership Group (TBSPG), it has not “fairly reflected” the work farmers have put in to tackle TB, the union says.
Mr Brown said: “Many farming families are living day in day out with the reality of this dreadful disease.
“Farmers have worked hard alongside government for many, many years and have borne the brunt of TB controls. We are disappointed that this report does not seem to recognise this.”
