The establishment of the TB Eradication Partnership (TBEP) has been announced as the next step in driving forward the fight against bovine TB in Northern Ireland.
Representatives within the Partnership will work with Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to provide advice, assist in policy development delivery.
The eventual aim of TBEP is the eradication of bovine TB in Northern Ireland.
Farmers will be involved at every level, having an input to how the TB programme operates and bringing their experience to the problem.
Sean Hogan, previously Chair of Northern Ireland Water, has has been appointed as Chair of TBEP alongside Seamus O’Kane, from a veterinary background, Dr Sam Strain, from a science background and Adrian Patterson and David Rea, both from a farming background.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says the appointment of the Partnership is a step in the right direction towards disease eradication.
However, the union says farmers are frustrated by the long delays and lack of meaningful action to tackle the disease in wildlife.
UFU president Ivor Ferguson said: “The appointment of this group is welcome news and demonstrates that some action can be taken in the current political vacuum. However, farmers have repeatedly expressed their anger and frustration to us at the perceived lack of action being taken to tackle this awful disease.
“We have requested an early meeting with the group to ensure they fully grasp farmers’ position and to see what additional disease control measures can be implemented without a negative impact on farm businesses.
Mr Ferguson added: “At this point, farmers just want to see meaningful action to eradicate this awful disease. The appointments to TBEP is a small step forward but there is a still a long way to go.”
