Welcome for new strategy on TB issue

AGREEMENT on a new strategy for the reduction and eventual eradication of bovine TB was reached last week between the Dept. of Agriculture, farmer bodies and other key stakeholders such as the veterinary sector.

Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, said that the agreement represented an important step forward in terms of building on the collective effort to try and reduced TB levels across the country.

The Minister said that while the level of bovine TB disease was lower relative to historical level, TB herd incidence and reactor numbers have been gradually increasing.

“The pace of deterioration has accelerated in 2020. Herd incidence at 4.35% is now at its highest level since 2012 while reactor numbers at 22,700 are back at 2009 rates.

“Relative to 2019, an additional 13 herds per week experienced a TB restriction in 2020. This clearly highlights the urgency with which we must act.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders work together in reducing TB rates to support and protect farm families and I look forward to ongoing positive engagement from all stakeholders in implementing this new bovine TB eradication strategy.”

Galway IFA Animal Health Chairman, Stephen Canavan, said the key areas of the new strategy highlighted by IFA include a meaningful farmer involvement and a recognition of farmers’ labour and financial contribution to the programme.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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